Acts 20 - CEVUS06 & GNA

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Paul Goes through Macedonia and Greece

1 When the riot was over, Paul sent for the followers and encouraged them. He then told them goodbye and left for Macedonia. 2 As he traveled from place to place, he encouraged the followers with many messages. Finally, he went to Greece 3 and stayed there for three months.

Paul was about to sail to Syria. But some of the Jewish leaders plotted against him, so he decided to return by way of Macedonia. 4 With him were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus from Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica. Gaius from Derbe was also with him, and so were Timothy and the two Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 They went on ahead to Troas and waited for us there. 6 After the Festival of Thin Bread, we sailed from Philippi. Five days later we met them in Troas and stayed there for a week.

Paul's Last Visit to Troas

7 On the first day of the week we met to break bread together. Paul spoke to the people until midnight because he was leaving the next morning. 8 In the upstairs room where we were meeting, there were a lot of lamps. 9 A young man by the name of Eutychus was sitting on a window sill. While Paul was speaking, the young man got very sleepy. Finally, he went to sleep and fell three floors all the way down to the ground. When they picked him up, he was dead.

10 Paul went down and bent over Eutychus. He took him in his arms and said, “Don't worry! He's alive.” 11 After Paul had gone back upstairs, he broke bread, and ate with us. He then spoke until dawn and left. 12 Then the followers took the young man home alive and were very happy.

The Voyage from Troas to Miletus

13 Paul decided to travel by land to Assos. The rest of us went on ahead by ship, and we were to take him aboard there. 14 When he met us in Assos, he came aboard, and we sailed on to Mitylene. 15 The next day we came to a place near Chios, and the following day we reached Samos. The day after that we sailed to Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, because he did not want to spend too much time in Asia. He was in a hurry and wanted to be in Jerusalem in time for Pentecost.

Paul Says Goodbye to the Church Leaders of Ephesus

17 From Miletus, Paul sent a message for the church leaders at Ephesus to come and meet with him. 18 When they got there, he said:

You know everything I did during the time I was with you when I first came to Asia. 19 Some of the Jews plotted against me and caused me a lot of sorrow and trouble. But I served the Lord and was humble. 20 When I preached in public or taught in your homes, I didn't hold back from telling anything that would help you. 21 I told Jews and Gentiles to turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

22 I don't know what will happen to me in Jerusalem, but I must obey God's Spirit and go there. 23 In every city I visit, I am told by the Holy Spirit that I will be put in jail and will be in trouble in Jerusalem. 24 But I don't care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And this work is to tell the good news about God's gift of undeserved grace.

25 I have gone from place to place, preaching to you about God's kingdom, but now I know that none of you will ever see me again. 26 I tell you today I am no longer responsible for any of you! 27 I have told you everything God wants you to know. 28 Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God's church. It is the flock he bought with the blood of his own Son.

29 I know that after I am gone, others will come like fierce wolves to attack you. 30 Some of your own people will tell lies to win over the Lord's followers. 31 Be on your guard! Remember how day and night for three years I kept warning you with tears in my eyes.

7 Bible Verses About the Power of Giving

32 I now place you in God's care. Remember the message about his gift of undeserved grace! This message can help you and give you what belongs to you as God's people. 33 I have never wanted anyone's money or clothes. 34 You know how I have worked with my own hands to make a living for myself and my friends. 35

By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.”

36 After Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 Everyone cried and hugged and kissed him. 38 They were especially sad because Paul had told them, “You will never see me again.”

Then they went with him to the ship.

في مكدونية واليونان

1 ولمّا سكَنَ الهِياجُ في أفسُسَ دَعا بولُسُ التلاميذَ، فودّعَهُم بِكَلِمَةِ تَشجيعٍ وسافَرَ إلى مكدونِـيّةَ. 2 وسارَ في تِلكَ الأنحاءِ يُشَجّعُ بِكلامِهِ الكثيرِ جماعَةَ المُؤمنينَ. ثُمّ جاءَ إلى اليونانِ. 3 فأقامَ فيها ثلاثةَ أشهُرٍ. وبَينَما هوَ يَستَعِدّ للسّفَرِ في البحرِ إلى سوريّةَ، تآمَرَ اليَهودُ لِقَتلِهِ، فرأى أنْ يَرجِـعَ بِطريقِ مكدونِـيّةَ. 4 فرافَقَهُ سوباتَرُسُ بنُ بِرّسَ مِنْ أهلِ بـيريّةَ وأرَسْترْخسُ وسكُوندُسُ مِنْ أهلِ تسالونيكي، وغايوسُ مِنْ أهلِ دَربَةَ، وتيموثاوسُ وتيخيكُسُ وتُروفيمُسُ. 5 فسَبَقونا إلى ترواسَ واَنتَظَرونا هُناكَ. 6 أمّا نَحنُ فسافَرنا في البحرِ مِنْ فيلبّــي بَعدَ عيدِ الفَطيرِ، ولَحِقْنا بِهِم بَعدَ خَمسةِ أيّامٍ إلى تَرواسَ، فقَضَينا فيها سَبعَةَ أيّامٍ.

زيارة بولس الأخيرة لترواس

7 وفي يومِ الأحدِ اَجتَمَعْنا لِكَسرِ الخُبزِ، فأخَذَ بولُسُ يَعِظُ الحاضِرينَ. فأطالَ الكلامَ إلى مُنتَصَفِ الليلِ، لأنّهُ كانَ يُريدُ السّفَرَ في الغدِ. 8 وكانَ في الغُرفةِ العُليا التي اَجتَمَعْنا فيها مَصابـيحُ كثيرةٌ. 9 وهُناكَ فتى اَسمُهُ أفتيخوسُ جالِسًا عِندَ النافِذَةِ. فأخَذَهُ النّعاسُ، وبولُسُفي يَستَرسِلُ في الكلامِ، حتى غَلَبَ علَيهِ النّومُ، فوقَعَ مِنَ الطَبَقَةِ الثالِثَةِ إلى أسفلُ وحُمِلَ مَيْــتًا.

10 فنَزَلَ بولُسُ واَرتَمى علَيهِ وحَضَنَهُ، وقالَ: «لا تَقلَقوا، فهوَ حيّ». 11 وصَعِدَ إلى الغُرفَةِ العُليا وكسَرَ الخُبزَ وأكَلَ. وحَدّثَهُم طويلاً إلى الفَجرِ ومَضى. 12 فجاؤُوا بِالفَتى حَيّا، فكانَ لهُم عزاءٌ كبـيرٌ.

من ترواس إلى ميليتس

13 أمّا نحنُ فتوجّهْنا إلى السّفينةِ، فأقلَعْنا إلى أسّوسَ لِنأخُذَ بولُسَ مَعنا مِنْ هُناكَ كما طَلَبَ مِنّا، لأنّهُ أرادَ السّفَرَ إلَيها في البَرّ. 14 فلمّا لَحِقَ بِنا إلى أسّوسَ، أصعَدناهُ إلى السّفينةِ وجِئنا إلى ميتيلينَةَ. 15 ثُمّ أبحَرْنا مِنها في اليومِ الثاني، فأشرَفْنا على خِيوسَ. وسِرْنا في اليومِ الثالثِ بمُحاذاةِ ساموسَ، ثُمّ وصَلْنا في اليومِ الرابعِ إلى ميليتُسَ 16 لأنّ بولُسَ رأى أن يَتَجاوَزَ أفسُسَ في البحرِ لِئَلاّ يَتأخّرَ في آسيةَ وهوَ يُريدُ السّرعَةَ لَعلّه يَصِلُ إلى أُورُشليمَ في يومِ الخمسينَ.

بولس يودع شيوخ أفسس

17 وأرسَلَ بولُسُ مِنْ ميليتُسَ يَستَدعي شُيوخَ كنيسةِ أفسُسَ. 18 فلمّا جاؤُوا إلَيهِ، قالَ لهُم: «تَعرِفونَ كيفَ عِشْتُ مَعكُم طَوالَ المُدّةِ التي أقَمتُ فيها بَينَكُم، مِنْ أوّلِ يومٍ جِئتُ فيهِ إلى آسيةَ. 19 فكُنْتُ أخدُمُ الرّبّ بِكُلّ تواضُعٍ وبكثيرٍ مِنَ الدّموعِ، أُقاسي المِحَنَ التي أنزَلَتْها بـي مكايِدُ اليَهودِ. 20 وما قَصّرتُ في شيءٍ يُفيدُكُم، بل كُنتُ أعِظُكُم بِه، وأعلّمُكُم في الأماكِنِ العامةِ وفي البُيوتِ. 21 وناشَدتُ اليَهودَ واليونانيّينَ أنْ يتوبوا إلى اللهِ ويُؤمنوا بِرَبّنا يَسوعَ. 22 وأنا اليومَ ذاهِبٌ إلى أُورُشليمَ بِدافِـعٍ مِنَ الرّوحِ القُدُسِ، لا أعرِفُ ما يُصادِفُني هُناكَ. 23 غيرَ أنّ الرّوحَ القُدُسَ كانَ يُحذّرُني في كُلّ مدينةٍ أنّ القُيودَ والمَشقّاتِ تَنتظِرُني. 24 ولكنّي لا أحسَبُ أنّ حياتي لها أيّةُ قيمَةٍ عِندي، ما دُمتُ أقومُ بِمهمّتي وأُتمّمُ العمَلَ الذي تَسلّمتُـهُ مِنَ الرّبّ يَسوعَ، فـأُنادي بِبشارَةِ نِعمَةِ اللهِ.

25 وأنا أعرِفُ أنّكُم لن تَرَوا وَجهي بَعدَ اليومِ، أنتُمُ الذينَ سِرتُ بَينَهُم كُلّهِم أُبشّرُ بِمَلكوتِ اللهِ. 26 لذلِكَ أَشهَدُ اليومَ لَدَيكُم أنّي بَريءٌ مِنْ دَمِكُم جميعًا، 27 لأنّي ما قَصّرتُ في إبلاغِكم مَشيئةَ اللهِ كُلّها. 28 فاَسهَروا على أنفُسِكُم وعلى الرّعِيّةِ التي أقامَكُمُ الرّوحُ القُدُسُ فيها أساقِفَةً لِترعَوا كنيسةَ اللهِ التي اَكتسَبَها بدَمِهِ. 29 وأنا أعرِفُ أنّ الذّئابَ الخاطفَةَ سَتدخُلُ بـينَكُم بَعدَ رحيلي ولا تُشفِقُ على الرّعِيَةِ، 30 ويقومُ مِنْ بَينِكُم أنتُم أُناسٌ يَنطِقونَ بالأكاذيبِ ليُضَلّلوا التلاميذَ فيَتْبعُوهُم. 31 فتَنبّهوا وتَذكّروا أنّي بِدُموعي نَصَحتُ كُلّ واحدٍ مِنكُم، ليلاً ونهارًا، مُدّةَ ثلاثِ سَنواتٍ.

32 والآنَ أستودِعُكُمُ اللهَ وكَلِمَةَ نِعمَتِهِ، فهوَ القادِرُ على أنْ يُقوّيَكُم ويَمنَحكُمُ الميراثَ معَ جميعِ القِدّيسينَ. 33 ما اَشتهيَتُ يومًا فِضّةَ أحدٍ أو ذَهبَهُ أو ثيابَهُ، 34 وأنتُم تَعرِفونَ أنّي بِهاتَينِ اليدَينِ اَشتَغَلْتُ وحَصَلْتُ على ما نَحتاجُ إلَيهِ أنا ورِفاقي. 35 وأرَيتُكُم في كُلّ شيءٍ كيفَ يَجبُ علَينا بالكَدّ والعَمَلِ أنْ نُساعِدَ الضّعفاءَ، مُتذَكّرينَ كلامَ الرّبّ يَسوعَ: «تَبارَكَ العَطاءُ أكثرَ مِنَ الأخذِ».

36 ولمّا ختَمَ بولُسُ كلامَهُ، سجَدَ مَعهُم كُلّهِم وصَلّى. 37 وبكَوا كثيرًا وعانَقُوا بولُسَ وقَبّلوهُ. 38 وكانَ أكثَرَ ما أحزَنَهُم قَولُهُ لهُم: «لن تَرَوا وَجهي بَعدَ اليومِ». ثُمّ شَيّعوهُ إلى السّفينةِ.