Acts 20 - CEVUS06 & NBA93

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.

Bɔɔlɔs mɔŋgwɔ ele Mǝkḏuuniiyyɔ nɔ Akhaa-iiyyǝ tok.

1 Kwaathan mǝ lǝwǝ biɽǝthǝlɔ pǝt ta, na Bɔɔlɔs ɔrnɔṯi ṯalaamiiza dɔŋw, mindaŋ nɔŋwsi andaci ethisi firllasi-la, mindaŋ nɔŋwsi aaganni. E-ta nɔŋwsi ɔrlacci ŋwɔdoŋw nɔŋweele Mǝkḏuuniiyyǝ. 2 Mindaŋ nɔŋweele nɔŋw rɔɔmasi ǝzir-lɔ tatap, nɔŋw firllasi lizi-lǝ ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋittǝzir. E-ta nɔŋw iila Akhaa-iiyyǝ, 3 nɔŋgwɔ naani yǝwǝ ṯoɽol. Nǝ mɔŋw ogwɔmɔce kilyǝ-lu etheele Suuriiyyǝ, nɔŋw biɽanni ŋiɽaŋali kǝninǝ ŋǝniŋw, Yahuuḏ kiyala yinǝŋnicǝ-ŋǝlɔ; ṯaŋw nɔŋw kittatha ethi aaɽi Mǝkḏuuniiyyǝ-ŋgi. 4 Nǝreele Suuppaaṯarus-gi kwir tɔr tǝthi Burrus kwǝthi Biiriiyyǝ-ŋwɔ, nǝ Arasṯarkhus-ŋǝ Sakuunḏus-gi lǝthi Ṯasaaluuniiki-ŋw, nǝ Ghaayuus kwǝthi Ḏǝrbǝ-ŋw, nǝ Ṯiimɔɔthaaws-ŋǝ Ṯiikhiikus-gi, nǝ Ṯuruufiimus lǝthi Aasiiyya-ŋw. 5 Nǝrnyji iŋnaci keereny nǝreele Ṯarwaas, nǝrnyji-gwɔ irllici kinanaŋw. 6 Nǝnyii diiɽǝ mɔrkǝb-gi kinaŋw Fiilibbii mǝ @iiḏ wǝthi kajlaŋ ṯamthɔ, mindaŋ mǝ ŋwaamin ṯamthɔ ṯɔthni nǝny-li ɔɽɔmaṯṯi dɔŋw Ṯarwaas kǝzir wɔmǝny-gwɔ naani ŋwaamin dɔvokwɔɽony.

Bɔɔlɔs mɔŋgwɔ rimthithi ṯiraŋitha ṯuuŋwun Ṯarwaas-na.

7 Nǝ kirakalɔ kwǝthi laamin lǝthi sǝbiṯ, nǝnyii aaɽathici ethneya dɔŋw wǝthi ŋɔmath. Nǝ Bɔɔlɔs andaci lizi lǝlu-ttuk mindaŋ nǝ kulŋǝ-nǝ oro, kaka ninḏi-ŋgwɔ ethisi ɔrlacci ŋwɔdoŋw ŋɔrpɔ-ŋgwa. 8 Nǝ ŋwombo naani ŋwuuru ŋwɔfɔɔdɔ ki-lithmin-la kindala kǝzir waaɽathiny-gwɔ dɔŋw. 9 Nǝ kaamal kette kǝni Afṯiikhuus kinaanalɔ ki-shubaak; nǝ kaka nandisa-gwɔ Bɔɔlɔs lǝlu-ttuk, nɔŋw nḏirathala kwɔnoŋw-kwɔnoŋw mindaŋ nɔŋw nḏiratha keereny-gi wiɽil, mindaŋ nɔŋw iidǝ ki-lithmin-la lir nimrǝ ṯoɽol nɔŋw iidǝ kwurǝyu-lu. Mindaŋ mǝr dimmi tǝ, nɔŋw-ai. 10 Nǝ Bɔɔlɔs dappitha-lɔ mindaŋ nɔŋgwɔ iidǝthǝlǝ nɔŋw mithǝnni naana tetter. Nɔŋwsǝccǝŋw, “Ǝṯi pinnǝ rɔŋwor-na mac, ŋgwɔta kinnǝ kwɔmiithɔ!” 11 E-ta nɔŋw aaɽitha ki-lithmin-la kindala, nɔŋw undǝthǝ rǝghiivǝ-nǝ, mindaŋ nɔŋwsi yee. Ŋwɔṯaŋw nɔŋwsi andaci mindaŋ nǝ aaŋwɔn dallitha kimaara, e-ta nɔŋwsi-mǝ ɔrlacci ŋwɔdoŋw nɔŋweele. 12 Mindaŋ nǝr dimmi kaamali nǝrŋeele dɔɔnɔ kimiithɔ, nǝr aamina beṯṯen ṯikandisa-thilɔ.

Mǝr diiɽǝ Ṯarwaas-na nǝreele Miiliiṯus.

13 Nǝnyii ele keereny ki-mɔrkǝb-nǝ nǝnyii-gi ele Assuus, kǝzir winḏiny-gwɔ ethi dimmǝ Bɔɔlɔs-ŋwɔ mɔrkǝb-gi, kaka nandica-ŋgwɔ nyuŋwsi ethisi-ṯǝ ǝrriŋw, ninḏi-ŋgwɔ etheele kinanaŋw ṯaay-thi ṯǝthi wurǝyu. 14 Mǝnyii-li kadirithi Assuus nǝnyii allasi ki-mɔrkǝb-lǝ nǝny-li ele Miiṯiiliinǝ. 15 Nǝnyii diiɽǝ kinanaŋw mɔrkǝb-gi mindaŋ nǝnyii ɔppathi Khiyuus ŋɔrpɔ-ŋgwa. Mǝ laamin ṯamthɔ lithaathɔ nǝnyii iila saamuus, nǝ ki-laamin lithaathɔ nǝnyii ɔppathi Miiliiṯus 16 kaka nigittathi-gwɔ Bɔɔlɔs ethi daaraci Afasuus-ŋwɔ, mindaŋ etheere kiirasi lɔɔmɔr-lɔ leere mac Aasiiyya-na. Nɔŋwɔni kwɔfiɽigathɔ mindaŋ ǝŋgiroro mǝmkin ethi ɔppathi Urshaliim Yɔɔm Al-khamsiin.

Bɔɔlɔs mɔŋgwɔ andaci lishiyuukha lǝthi Afasuus-ŋwɔ.

17 Kinaŋw a-naanɔ Bɔɔlɔs Miiliiṯus nɔŋw ɔɔsi juwaaba Afasuus ethi lishiyuukh lǝthi kǝniisǝ iila naanɔ-ŋgwɔ. 18 Mindaŋ mǝr ɔppathi nɔŋwsǝccǝŋw, “Ŋaaŋa lilŋithi rac ŋwɔɔmɔri tatap ŋwɔnaaniny-ŋi ŋaaŋa-li, ki-laamin lir kwon-kwon lɔppathiny-li muḏiiriiyyǝ kwǝthi Aasiiyya-ŋw. 19 Ǝṯiny-ŋgwɔ ǝkkici Kweelenyi ŋothɽor kaka khaḏaam ṯǝjlinnǝ-thi ki-rogɽo nǝ ŋwal-ŋi yǝy-yi tok, ki-ŋwɔɔmɔr-la ŋwa ŋwɔfirlli beṯ-beṯṯen ŋwɔnaaniny-gwɔ-na ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋǝthi Yahuuḏ yǝṯi-nyii nǝŋnicǝlɔ ethi mɔmmi. 20 Ŋaaŋa lilŋithi rac ethaarɔŋw nyiiti kwɔdirna ŋiɽaŋal-ŋi ŋeere mac ŋǝthi ŋɔma ethi mǝcci ŋaaŋwɔsi kinaŋw aari-nyii bǝshirǝ nǝ nǝṯiny aari @allima ki-lɔdɔŋw-na nǝ ki-dɔɔnɔ-na tok. 21 Ǝṯiny iirǝci Yahuuḏǝ-ŋwsi Umam-yi tig-tig ethi ɔrlacca ŋikiyaŋi ŋeeŋen ŋwɔdoŋw ethaaɽitha Allah naana, mindaŋ ethi ǝmminici Kweelenyi kwǝri kwǝni Yǝcu Kwɔrɔstɔ. 22 Nǝ kaka niinyicǝny-gwɔ Ṯigɽimǝ naana Ṯirllinǝlɔ ter, nǝnyii naŋni etheele Urshaliim, kwiti kwilŋicasi ŋeere ǝzir mac ŋinḏi-nyii ethi ǝrrinici kinanaŋw. 23 Ŋirta ŋɔtɔpɔt ŋilŋithi-nyji, ŋǝṯiny-ŋi Ṯigɽim Ṯirllinǝlɔ ter iirǝci ki-muḏun-na tatap, ǝṯɔŋwaarɔŋw, sijin ŋǝ ṯurvǝ-thi kithala ṯurbǝcǝ-ŋǝ. 24 Laakin ninyeere naŋni ŋimiitha ŋiinyi ethǝthi faayitha naaniny-gwɔ mac; nyii kwɔnaŋna tǝ ethisi ṯimmasi ŋa ŋɔɔsar-nyii-ŋi mindaŋ ethi erne ŋothɽor ŋa ŋinḏǝthǝ-nyji Kweeleny kwǝni Yǝcu ethisi ǝrri, ŋǝniŋw ethi kette shahaaḏa kwǝthi Inyjiil wǝthi ne@ma kwǝthi Allah.

25 “Nyii kwǝṯi iirǝrǝlɔ daŋgal-na kwaari bǝshirǝ ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi Ŋeeleny ŋǝthi Allah. Nǝ kirem-tǝ, nǝnyii elŋe rac ethaarɔŋw kwiti kweere mac daŋgal-na kwindi-nyii etheese kwokwony. 26 Ŋwɔṯaŋw ki-laamin-la ṯǝ kɔlɔ ŋǝsi andaci tig-tig; mɔŋw ṯɔɔthi kweere daŋgal-na tǝ, nǝ lɔɔm ere oro liinyi mac. 27 Kaka niti nɔblaṯiny-gwɔ mac ethi ɔppaca ŋaaŋwɔsi karatha kir min-min kǝthi Allah. 28 Aŋricar rogɽo raalɔ nǝ yaaŋal tok yikittica-ŋǝsi Ṯigɽim Ṯirllinǝlɔ ter ki-rii-na raalɔ ethisi karni. Rɔɔthɔr nyaaɽa nyǝthi kǝniisǝ kǝthi Allah, kigittaŋw kiraama-gi kǝthi ŋiɽany ŋǝthi Tɔr tuuŋwun. 29 Nyii kwilŋithi rac, mǝŋǝsi ɔrlacci ŋwɔdoŋw, ǝŋǝsi yiiraaw yǝthi ŋǝriyǝ ǝnḏithǝnǝ yiti yindi ethi athici yaaŋali ŋimɽiya-na ŋeere mac. 30 Laamar kila linḏi linḏi-li lizi lokwo daŋgal-na ethisi andasi ŋir ŋǝluŋw, mindaŋ ethisi ṯalaamiiz kwakithatha. 31 Ŋwɔṯaŋw aŋrathir a kithaayini tok nǝṯi-ŋǝsi-gwɔ ǝccǝ @allima yaaŋwɔnɔ; yulŋǝ ŋwal-ŋi yǝy-yi yithlǝyu ṯoɽol.

32 “Nǝ kirem tǝ, ŋǝsi kettice Allah ki-rii-na ruuŋwun, nǝ ki-ŋiɽaŋal-na ŋǝthi ne@ma kwuuŋwun, kwǝthi ŋɔma ethi kikindasi ŋaaŋwɔsi nǝ ethi inḏǝthǝ ŋaaŋwɔsi barka kwǝthi Allah ŋgwa kwir kwǝthi lizi tatap limǝ suuɽunni. 33 Nyii kwende kwɔmǝ naŋnatha kwizi kweere fiḏḏa wala ḏahab, wala kirethi keere. 34 Ŋilŋithi-ŋǝsi rogɽo-ri raalɔ nǝṯiny-gwɔ akkɔ ŋothɽor rii-ri riinyi kɔrɔ ethi ǝthi kwomne kwǝthi kila lǝṯiny-li akkathisi ŋothɽor nǝ kwǝṯiny naŋni nyii tok. 35 Nyii kwɔmǝ-ŋǝsi baaŋaci kwomne tatap ŋothɽor-ŋi ŋǝṯi-nyii akkɔ tig-tig, nǝ laazim ṯǝrṯiib-thi ṯǝ kɔthɔ ɔrithi mɔcci lizi lir lɔwaay naana. A kithaayini ŋiɽaŋali ŋǝthi Kweeleny kwǝni Yǝcu rogɽo-ri ruuŋwun ŋaarɔŋw-ŋiŋw, ‘Ṯaamana ṯǝṯi naani tɔppa mǝ iṯithi-lǝ ki-lɔɔbi lǝthi-li aavi’.” 36 Mǝ Bɔɔlɔs ṯimmasi ŋiɽaŋali ŋɔ, nɔŋw kwee ŋwɔrgwɔ-lɔ ŋundu-ŋǝli mindaŋ nɔŋw aari kiyiiriny. 37 Nǝr aaritha tatap ki-ldɔŋw mindaŋ nǝr mithǝnǝ, nǝr aaganni ruunyu-ri ethi kette kithaay. 38 Nǝr ronyine beṯ-beṯṯen; kaka nǝccǝŋwsi-gwɔŋw, ŋaaŋa liti lǝnyii ese kwokwony mac. Mindaŋ nǝreele ki-mɔrkǝb-nǝ.