Taking leave of the Ephesian elders and not expecting to see them again, the apostle Paul gives them his final instruction, almost a testament. And, holding himself up as an example, he tells them some rather unexpected things...
Taking leave of the Ephesian elders and not expecting to see them again, the apostle Paul gives them his final instruction, almost a testament. And, holding himself up as an example, he tells them some rather unexpected things. We are used to connecting the Christian life first of all with spiritual labors, while material activity, secular work, feels to us like a burdensome necessity. That is, we agree to put up with it as something secondary, something that lets us survive but limits the possibilities of our "spiritual" ministry.
Paul, however, proposes that we see this work as real service, and work in such a way as not only to feed ourselves and our families, but also to help others, support the weak, and be able to give. The leading position of Christians in the world commanded by Christ ("the light of the world," "the salt of the earth") also consists in being the best workers, not for our own glory, but for the transformation of this world.
20
20:35 I have showed you - Bishops, by my example, all things - And this among the rest; that thus labouring - So far as the labours of your office allow you time; ye ought to help the weak - Those who are disabled by sickness, or any bodily infirmity, from maintaining themselves by their own labour. And to remember - Effectually, so as to follow it; the word which he himselfsaid - Without doubt his disciples remembered many of his words which are not recorded. It is happier to give - To imitate God, and have him, as it were, indebted to us.