³³“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. ³⁴You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. ³⁵In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Many “Christian superstars” spend a lot of time and money begging for funds for their ministries, out of which they support lavish lifestyles. Not so the apostle Paul. He never asked—let me repeat, he never asked—for any financial support for himself or for his evangelistic ministry. He had no qualms about asking people to donate to the family relief needs in Jerusalem. But even at that, the donations were entrusted to a team of respected individuals for delivery. Here, on Paul’s final mission tour during his stop to speak with the Ephesian elders, he makes his boast clear: no one could ever accuse him of being in it for the money.

He could say this without any hesitation because his heart was not inclined in the least toward wanting other people’s resources. It is true, as he wrote to the Philippians, that he had received some financial support from them and was very grateful (Phil. 4:15–19). And it is true that he asserted that a worker is worthy of being supported:

If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. (1 Cor. 9:11–12)

Yet notice carefully, even though Paul did not necessarily decline all financial support, he did not consider it an entitlement. He refused support from the Corinthians because he knew it would hinder his ministry. And he made it absolutely clear to the Ephesians, with no fear of contradiction, that he not only did not want their financial support, but worked extra hard so he could financially support others. He was not in it for the money or the fringe benefits.

So Paul never raised funds for himself and was not even tempted to do so. He did not cleverly talk about needs in subtle ways in order to slyly suggest that people give to him. No, his heart was not leaning in the least in that direction. Instead, his heart was firmly planted on the saying of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He coveted the blessing of Jesus more than any silver or gold.

Lord, You have given me abundantly above all I can ask or think. Thank You.