NOTES for Act 20:35

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.