Acts 20:35 KJV

Paul, a skillful tent maker of which he labored with his hands to provide for basic necessities of every day life, and for the needs of those who were with him, the people of the community witnessed him labouring and busy both, early and late, cutting out tents, and making them up, being made of leather, was very hard work.  He was so great at being a favorite of Heaven and such a great blessing to the earth, he was sometimes reduced to the bare necessities and common support of everyday life.  He was of great value, that is, it is recorded of him to have penned two-thirds of the New Testament, and yet, unthinkable, unfriendly, an ungrateful world for him to labor so hard for just the basic necessities of life.  Therefore he says,, I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak ... (20:35).

Paul, one who desired no more than to have his necessities supplied, as well as, those who were with him have the supports of life met, also.  He did not use his calling to enrich himself, but only    to maintain the needs of food and raiment.  His knowledge, wisdom, and understanding was that of which he could have made great profits, however, it was his hands, that ministered to his needs and the necessities of others with him, the poor and weak, and those less fortunate and could not work due to illness.  He showed them that he was most obliged to lay his hands to the needle and shears, to the awl (a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, as in leather or wood) and tacking-ends, in tent-making, purely just to get bread; and, not only for himself, but others, too.  He showed them among their duties, he had given them a good example; that is, in so labouring, ye ought to support the weak, (see also Ephesians 4:28).

It is wise to labour in honest employment; not only that we may be able to live and maintain our basic necessities, but that we may also, be able to give to those who may be in need.  Paul considered this saying to possibly being harsh to say, and therefore, he backs it with a saying of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, of which he wanted them to always remember; seemingly words Jesus often used with his disciples; when he himself did so much good and commanded them (us) to do so too, (see Matthew 10:8-9).  Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.   Paul wanted them to remember where the saying had originated from; therefore, he joyously retrieved it, and it was recorded by St. Luke in this verse in the Book of Acts.  Herein we can say; It is more blessed to give to others than to receive from others, and more blessed to do good with what we have, whether great or small, than to increase it and make it more.

 sablack/jhb