EGW WritingsActs 20

Conflict and Courage

Gospel Tentmaker, December 2

1 Thessalonians 1:6-9

CC 342.1

In all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 2 Corinthians 11:9.

CC 342.2

Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself by working at his trade. While working thus, he spoke of the gospel to those with whom he came in contact, and turned many souls from error to truth. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour, or of helping those in trouble.3Letter 107, 1904.

CC 342.3

The history of the apostle Paul is a constant testimony that manual labor cannot be degrading, that it is not inconsistent with true greatness and elevation of human or Christian character. Those toilworn hands, he deemed, detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals, sensible, intelligent, and eloquent.... Those toilworn hands as he presented them before the people bore testimony that he was not chargeable to any man for his support.... At times he also supported his fellow workers, himself suffering from hunger in order to relieve the necessities of others. He shared his earnings with Luke, and helped Timothy obtain the necessary equipment for his journey.4Letter 103, 1900.

CC 342.4

Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same time they supported themselves in daily labor....

CC 342.5

While some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soulsaving.... The self-sacrificing servant of God who labors untiringly in word and doctrine, carries on his heart a heavy burden.... His wages do not influence him in his labor.... From heaven he received his commission, and to heaven he looks for his recompense when the work entrusted to him is done.5The Acts of the Apostles, 355, 356.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 1, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 1, 1904, par. 16

“One thing I do.” [Verse 13.] Paul allowed nothing to divert him from the one great purpose of his life. He did many things. He was a wise teacher. His letters to the different churches are full of instructive lessons. He worked with his own hands at his trade, in this way earning his daily bread. “These hands,” he said, “have ministered unto my necessity.” [Acts 20:34.] He carried a heavy burden for the churches and sought earnestly to lead them in the right way. He was always seeking to help them in their difficulties, yet he declared, “This one thing I do.” In the busy activities of life, he never lost sight of his one great purpose—to press on toward the prize of his high calling.

Education

Paul, Joyful in Service

Ed 66.1

The greatest of human teachers, Paul accepted the lowliest as well as the highest duties. He recognized the necessity of labor for the hand as well as for the mind, and he wrought at a handicraft for his own support. His trade of tent making he pursued while daily preaching the gospel in the great centers of civilization. “These hands,” he said, at parting with the elders of Ephesus, “have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” Acts 20:34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 135, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 16

“This one thing I do.” [Verse 13.] Here is a decided statement of Paul’s unchangeable resolution. He could not be diverted from the steady purpose of his life. “This one thing I do.” Paul did many things. He was a wise teacher. His many letters are full of instructive lessons setting forth correct principles. He worked with his hands, for he was a tent maker, and in this way earned his daily bread. “These hands,” he said, “have ministered unto my necessity.” [Acts 20:34.] He carried a heavy burden for the churches. He strove most earnestly to present their errors before them, that they might correct them, and not be deceived and led away from God. He was always seeking to help them in their difficulties; and yet he declares, “One thing I do.” In the busy activity of his life he had one great purpose. The responsibilities of his life were many, yet he kept always before him this “one thing.” The constant sense of the presence of God constrained him to keep his eye ever looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of his faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 97, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 97, 1899, par. 8

Lifting up his toilworn hands, Paul makes his appeal, “Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessity, and to them that were with me.” [Acts 20:34.] Those hands speak to us with remarkable impressiveness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 9, 1879

3LtMs, Ms 9, 1879, par. 14

The low cast of [Carlsbadt’s] mind makes the knowledge he has gained of but little use, and leads him to wish to mold everything after his pattern. Had he been an industrious man, he could have accomplished tenfold more than he has. No man should think that he should entirely cease his temporal pursuits if he would be a Christian. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11. As [Carlsbadt] has opportunity, he should work with his hands. It would have been better all along had he exercised the physical as well as mental powers by engaging earnestly in manual labor. This, he thought, would be derogatory to his dignity. But Paul, a man of learning, able in the Scriptures, and an orator, did not feel that it detracted from his dignity as a minister of Christ to labor with his hands. Listen to this hero of faith: “Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:34, 35.

Counsels on Stewardship

Chapter 34—Liberality Commended

CS 171.1

The apostle Paul, in his ministry among the churches, was untiring in his efforts to inspire in the hearts of the new converts a desire to do large things for the cause of God. Often he exhorted them to the exercise of liberality. In speaking to the elders of Ephesus of his former labors among them, he said, “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 145, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 20

Paul declared, “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [Acts 20:35.] “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, nor of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” [2 Corinthians 9:7, 8.] “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” [Hebrews 6:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 134, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 134, 1900, par. 18

Believers will have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all selfishness; and from experience they will say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [Acts 20:35.] The members of Christ’s body will not be working contrary to one another. The Christian church will diffuse the influence of self-denial and cross-bearing, revealing thorough consecration.

In Heavenly Places

Christlike Through Self-denial, October 20

HP 300.4

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).... Self-denial will bring into the treasury of God the means necessary to advance His work. Thus we may act in copartnership with Christ. Christ’s followers consider that in giving back to the Lord His own they are receiving a blessing; for they are accumulating heavenly treasure, which will be given to them when they shall hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:23). What is that joy? “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the privilege of those who have overcome obstacles in order to put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, “Follow me.” 31Letter 52, 1897.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 32—A Liberal Church

AA 342.2

The apostle Paul in his ministry among the churches was untiring in his efforts to inspire in the hearts of the new converts a desire to do large things for the cause of God. Often he exhorted them to the exercise of liberality. In speaking to the elders of Ephesus of his former labors among them, he said, “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “He which soweth sparingly,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7.

The Faith I Live By

A Living Benevolence, June 5

FLB 162.1

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.

From Trials to Triumph

Why the Gifts of the Poor Are Valuable

TT 180.5

The apostle Paul said, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7.

With God at Dawn

I Have Shewed You All Things, October 17

WGD 292.1

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 30, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 30, 1894, par. 15

Nearly every one around has suffered but I thank the Lord I am improving and am of good courage in the Lord. We shall do all we can in the name of the Lord. I am full of thankfulness to the Lord that I do not have to look on helplessly, and groan and pray in seeing my brethren and sisters in distress for want of food and clothing. I do not need to say simple, Be ye warmed and be ye clothed, and yet do nothing to relieve them. I have experienced the truth of God’s word, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [Acts 20:35.] God’s people are being tried and tested, and may God grant that I may be able to help them through the trial they have the endure for the truth’s sake, and by so doing be able to cling to Jesus more firmly than ever.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 52, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 52, 1897, par. 8

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” [Acts 20:35.] Through self-denying effort many pounds, shillings, and pence will flow into the Lord’s treasury, that there may be meat in His house. Self-denial will bring into the treasury of God the means necessary to advance His work. Thus we may act in copartnership with Christ. Christ’s followers consider that in giving back to the Lord His own they are receiving a blessing, for they are accumulating heavenly treasure, which will be given to them when they shall hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.] What is that joy? “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [Hebrews 12:2.] The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the privilege of those who have overcome obstacles in order to put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, “Follow me.” [Luke 9:23.]

Counsels for the Church

God’s Interest in Little Things

CCh 294.3

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5. Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Ezra 9:5. Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Daniel 6:10.543Gospel Workers, 178

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Our Attitude in Prayer

GW 178.2

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, “kneeled down, and prayed.” [Luke 22:41.] Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” [Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5.] Paul declared, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians 3:14.] In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. [See Ezra 9:5.] Daniel “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” [Daniel 6:10.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1510—The Proper Attitude in Prayer

21MR 59.1

I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always. [Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40; 7:59, 60; 20:36; 21:5; Ezra 9:5, 6; Psalm 95:6; Ephesians 3:14, quoted.] And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn.

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 32—Proper Attitude in Prayer

2SM 312.1

“When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all” (Acts 20:36).

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1

Chapter 37—The Attitude in Prayer

1NL 119.5

“When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.” Acts 20:36.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 84b, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 84b, 1897, par. 5

“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.” Acts 20:36. “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.” Acts 21:5.

Early Writings

Appendix

EW 302.5

“In the East, especially, the kiss was a common mode of expressing love and friendship in greeting. (See Luke 7:45; Acts 20:37.) The ‘holy kiss,’ or ‘kiss of charity’ (1 Peter 5:14), was a symbol of Christian affection. It seems to have become a custom with early Christians to exchange this greeting at the time of the Lord’s Supper (Justin Martyr First Apology 65). Later writings indicate that it was not the custom to give this ‘holy kiss’ to one of the opposite sex (Apostolic Constitutions ii. 57; viii. 11).”—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:257, 258.