ACC ~ Acts 20 v35

THE WISDOM OF DETACHMENT. JEROME: Somehow or other the very one who begs leave to offer you a gift holds you the cheaper for your acceptance of it; while, if you refuse it, it is wonderful how much more he will come to respect you. LETTER 52.16.

I HAVE SHOWN YOU ALL THINGS. BEDE: That is, not only that devotion to teaching is necessary amid oppression and tears, but also that manual labor is demanded so that none of the weak may be burdened. This is, however, what was said: “And whatever you spend in addition I will repay you when I return,” which means to preach the gospel and not to see one’s support from the gospel.COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 20.35A.

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE. BEDE: He does not value the rich, even if they give alms, more highly than those who have left all things and followed the Lord. Rather, he extols most highly those who have given up at once everything they had and who nevertheless labor, “working with their hands at what is good in order to have something to give to one who is suffering need.” COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 20.35B.