Acts 20:33

33 "I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion.

Acts 20:33 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:33

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
] This the apostle says, not merely in vindication of himself, and his character, from all charge or suspicion of avarice; but chiefly for the instruction of these elders, and all others of the same office, not to indulge the sin of covetousness, which is very disagreeable, and ought not to be in a minister of the word; and it may be observed, that many things which the apostle says before of himself to those elders, is said not to commend himself, nor so much in his own vindication, as for their imitation; compare with this ( Numbers 16:15 ) ( 1 Samuel 12:3 ) and to point out the character of false teachers that would come in, or spring up among them, who would make merchandise of them. Beza's ancient copy, and others, read, "the silver of none of you"; and so the Ethiopic version.

Acts 20:33 In-Context

31 So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.

32 "Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.

33 "I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion.

34 With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me.

35 In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"