John Calvin Commentary Acts 20:34

"Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me." — Acts 20:34 (ASV)

Indeed, you know He does not, in these words, precisely set down a law which all the ministers of the word must keep; for he did not behave so loftily and like a lord that he took away what the Lord had granted to his servants, but rather in many places maintains their right, which is, that they be supported by what is common (Matthew 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17; Philippians 4:10, 16; 2 Corinthians 11:8).

To this also pertains the fact that he allowed many churches to provide him with food and clothing. He not only freely received wages from those in any place for the work he did there, but when he was in need at Corinth, he says that he robbed other churches to relieve his poverty.

Therefore, he does not simply command pastors to support their lives with their manual labor, but immediately after, he declares to what extent he urges them to follow his example. The Corinthians did not deny him what was due to him; but since the false apostles boasted that they did their work freely, and thereby gained praise among the people, Paul would not be outdone by them in this regard, nor give them any opportunity to accuse him falsely, as he himself affirms (1 Corinthians 9:15 and 2 Corinthians 11:10).

Therefore, he warns that no stumbling block be placed in the way of the weak, and that their faith not be overthrown. For to receive the weak means, to some extent, bearing with their lack of understanding and simplicity (Romans 14:1).

And to remember. We do not read this sentence word for word anywhere; but the Evangelists have other sayings not much unlike this, from which Paul might have gathered it. Again, we know that not all the sayings of Christ were written; and he repeats that general doctrine of the contempt of money, a true sign of which is when a person is more inclined to give than to receive.

Nor did Christ speak merely from a purely worldly standpoint, as if those who are generous are therefore blessed because they indebt others to themselves with their benefits, and as if it is a kind of bondage to owe anything.

Rather, He had a higher principle in mind, for he which giveth to the poor lendeth unto the Lord (Proverbs 19:17). Thus, those are faithful and good stewards of God who share with their brothers some of the abundance He has lent them, and in nothing do people draw nearer to God than in generosity.

We also read these praises of generosity in secular authors; and many in the world confess that these things are true, but they consent (as the proverb has it) with an ass's ears. For daily life shows how few are persuaded that nothing should be more desired than to use our goods to help our brothers.

For this reason, the disciples of Christ must more diligently reflect on this blessedness, so that, abstaining as much as lies in their power from what belongs to another, they accustom themselves to give. And yet they must not do this with a haughty heart, as if it were a wretched thing for them to be indebted to anyone, or through ambition, so that they may bind others to themselves. Instead, they should do so only that they may willingly practice the duties of love, and by this means reveal the grace of their adoption.