Did Jesus Say That?
An interesting topic regarding the form of the Crucifixion cross of Jesus came to my attention recently after I spoke at a huge conference. In an attempt to challenge the traditional shape of the cross, he was approached by Jehovah’s Witnesses. As they pointed out, “cross” (stauros) is simply a Greek word that can mean any of three things: a “upright pole”, a “upright stake,” or a “torture stake.” His Jehovah’s Witness visitors claimed that Jesus was actually nailed to a straight stake with a single spike through his hands and another through his feet, as claimed by the visitors from the religious organization.
There are a number of evidential clues provided in the scripture to assist us in understanding the true shape of Jesus’ cross, despite the fact that the Greek words used for the cross in the New Testament aren’t specific about its shape (“stauros” = stake / pole and “xulon” = timber / tree.” To understand the evidence for the cross, we must first consider the many different ways in which Romans have executed criminals on wooden structures of various kinds throughout history.
When writing about the siege of Jerusalem in 70AD, Josephus acknowledged that Roman soldiers used a variety of methods and stake shapes to execute their prisoners: “(The Jews caught outside the walls of Jerusalem) were first whipped, and then tormented with all sorts of tortures, before they died, and were then crucified before the wall of the city.
In addition, the first-century Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger described crucifixions in a variety of ways: “I see before me crosses not all alike, but differently made by different people: some hang a man head downwards, some force a stick upwards through his groin, some stretch out his arms on a forked gibbet” (Seneca the Younger, “To Marcia on Consolation,” in Moral Essays, 6.20).
- Crux Simplicissimus They sometimes used a single upright stake or post and either nailed or tied their victim to the stake or post, depending on the circumstances (in some cases this may have simply been to the trunk of a tree).
- Crucifixion is the crux of the matter.
- There are several names for this cross, including “St.
- Using a horizontal beam that was connected at the top of a vertical stake, this structure was created in the shape of a “T.” With their arms outstretched on either side of a horizontal beam, the victims were nailed to the T structure.
- Crux Immissa is a Latin phrase that means “crux of the matter.” This third shape, which is similar to the Crux Commissa, is the traditional form of the cross that Christians observe (“Immissa” is Latin for “inserted”).
- Some of these tips were nothing more than a minor extension, resulting in a structure that was closer to the shape of a “T” than a “+.” With their arms outstretched on either side of the patibulum, victims were nailed to the structure.
- Crux Decussata is the X in the alphabet.
Andrew’s Cross”) comes from the Latin word for ten (“decussis”).
It was either nailed or tied to the bottom ends of the X with their feet attached separately.
I believe that the traditional shape (the “Crux Immissa”) is the best inference from evidence, despite the limited amount of data available.
Language Evidence Has Its Limits: What Does It Mean?
The original meaning of the terms “stauros” and “xulon,” like the meaning of other words in other languages, has evolved over time as well.
For him, the term “stauros” literally translated into the English language as “pole.” However, by the time of Christ, the Romans were still employing the Greek language, albeit with some modifications to give the words a broader sense of purpose.
In order for the Romans to employ this method of punishment, they had to adapt the existing Greek terminology to suit their needs.
David Black explains that “(the original meaning of a word) used alone cannot adequately account for the meaning of a word because meaning is constantly subject to change.
The claim that the “original” meaning of a word is the “true” meaning of a word is therefore illegitimate (David Alan BlackLinguistics for Students of New Testament Greek Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 1988, 1995, p.122).
otherwise, it would have been a vertical beam suspended from above by a cross-beam.
572) (Gerhard Kittel, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Volume 7, 1971, p.
Descriptive Accounts of Prehistoric Non-Biblical Sources A number of ancient non-biblical sources rule out at least one form of the cross (“Crux Simplex”) and rule out another form (“Crux Decussata”) as being possible, according to the Bible.
And Abraham circumcised eighteen males and three hundred females from his family, according to the Torah.
It is important for you to understand that He speaks of the eighteen first, and then the three hundred after an interval of time The letter ‘I’ represents ten, while the letter ‘H’ represents eight in the number eighteen.
His word also says three hundred, which indicates that the cross in the letter T will be graced.
According to this author, the cross of Jesus was supported by a cross beam similar to the “Crux Commissa” or “Crux Immissa.” The author of The Epistle of Barnabas also made reference to Exodus 17:11-12, writing: “And He saith again in Moses, when war was waged against Israel by men of another nation, and that He might remind them when war was waged against them that for their sins they were delivered unto death; the Spirit saith to the heart of Moses, *that he should make a type of the cross and of Him that was to suffer, that unless, saith He, The result was that Moses piled his arms on top of each other in the midst of the battle, and standing on higher ground than anyone else, he stretched out his hands, and Israel was victorious yet another time.
They were slain with the sword whenever he brought them down from their height.” (12:2) (Barnabas 12:2) (Barnabas 12:2) In this passage, the author compares the cross of Jesus to a passage from the Old Testament (this time from the life of Moses), interpreting the shape of Jesus’ cross as requiring him to “stretch out his hands,” as required by the shape of the cross.
- Solomon’s Odes are a collection of eulogies (1 stto 3 rdCenturies) These odes, which are generally regarded as having Christian origins, were written by a number of authors over the course of the first three centuries.
- “For the expansion of my hands is His sign, and my extension is the upright cross,” the author wrote.
- Justin Martyr (100–165 AD) was a Christian martyr who lived between 100 and 165 AD.
- For one, a spit is transfixed right through the lamb’s body from the lower parts to the head, and another is transfixed across the back, to which the lamb’s legs are attached.” The dialogue with Trypho in Chapter XL is an example of this.
- Other passages by Justin Martyr describe the cross of Jesus in a similar manner, drawing analogies between it and a sail mast and staysail, or describing the position of Jesus on the cross with outstretched hands.
Oneirocritica (“The Interpretation of Dreams”), a five-volume Greek work, in which he described criminals being crucified: “Because he is a criminal, his height and the extension of his hands will be used to crucify him” (Oneirocritica 1:76) In this period of time, according to Artemidorus, criminals were executed by the Romans on a cross that was twice the width of it and twice the height of it.
- Lucian(125-180AD) This early Greek rhetorician produced a number of artistic, satirical, and cynical works that have survived to the present day.
- The trial in the Court of Vowels took place on 12.4-13.
- In addition, the “Crux Decussata” is usually eliminated because of the references to specific “T” shapes in the literature.
- It is past time to examine the most reliable source of information we have about Jesus’ death on the cross: the historical record.
Here are several hints from the New Testament; arguably the most clear is Jesus’ portrayal of crucifixion in the Gospel of John, when he informs Peter how he would die in a way comparable to Jesus’ death: John 21:18-19 (KJV) As a child you used to gird yourself and go anywhere you pleased; as an adult, however, you will extend out your hands and someone else will gird you and transport you to a location you do not like to visit.” ‘Now this,’ he explained, was a reference to the manner in which he would honor God via his death.
” During his last moments on earth, Jesus warned Peter that he would die with his arms held forth.
As a result, in order for Peter’s hands to be extended on his crucifixion, his cross would have to be one of three types: a “Crux Commissa,” a “Immissa,” or a “Crus Decussata.” As a further point of clarification, Thomas, who had expressed his skepticism about the Resurrection, informed the other disciples that he needed to see something to accept it: Twenty-fifth chapter, verse 25 In response, the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” “I will not believe until I see the impression of the nails in His hands, and until I insert my finger in the location of the nails, and until I place my hand into His side,” he told them.
- Even if the “Crux Simplex” was used to execute Jesus, his hands would very certainly have been fastened in place with one single nail.
- For the second time, this implies that Jesus’ crucifixion would have had to be either a “Crux Commissa,” a “Crux Immissa,” or a “Crux Decussata” in order to have required more than one nail for Jesus’ hands to be used.
- In their accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Gospel writers specified the location of the sign identifying him: The Bible verse is Matthew 27:37.
- (See Luke 23:38 for further information).
- According to John’s Gospel, only one of the three possible crosses would be suitably designed to accommodate the installation of this sign over Jesus’ head.
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- The design of the cross is not important to our theology as Christians; but, it does offer us with an intriguing chance to practice our investigative Case Making abilities.
- Cold-case investigation techniques are taught in this book, and the methodologies taught are applied to the claims of the gospel authors in order to investigate their claims.
There’s also an eight-sessionCold Case Christianity DVD Set (with participant’s guide) that goes along with the book to help individuals or small groups evaluate the facts and make their case.
Why Does the Book of Acts Say It’s Better to Give Than Receive?
An internet search for “blessed” took me to the top three Twitter accounts that had used the hashtag in the previous eight hours, according to the results. The hashtag “blessed” was used by one person to share their Covid vaccination appointment information via Twitter. Another person expressed gratitude for being able to attend a father-daughter dance at a local country club, saying he felt “fortunate.” The third individual, on the other hand, considered themselves “fortunate” since Twitter implemented a mute button.
What Does Jesus Mean by It’s Better to Give Than Receive?
The term blessed, which may also be interpreted as ‘better,’ originates from the Greek wordmakarion, which literally translates as ‘happy.’ According to Acts 20:35, the apostle Paul is speaking to the church of Ephesus when he cites Jesus, who says, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” We can see Jesus’ statement that our giving is more rewarded by God as meaning that there is more satisfaction or joy to be found in God when we give rather than when we get anything from Him.
This teaching from Jesus is not recorded in the Gospels, but it is quite likely that it was passed on to Paul by individuals who saw Jesus lecture and heard it repeated.
As a result, in order to understand the meaning of the term, we must consider both Jesus’ example throughout the Gospels and the context of Paul’s speech in Acts 20:14.
Paul’s Speech to the Ephesians on Giving
This well-known line is found in Acts 20:35, when Paul is reminding the Ephesians church and elders of how God has worked in him to bear witness to the gospel of God’s mercy (Acts 20:24). In his final journey to Ephesus, Macedonia, and Greece, Paul hoped to gather an offering for needy Christians in preparation for bringing it to his ultimate destination, the city of Jerusalem (Romans 15:22-29). His final comments to the Ephesians laud them in the favor of God and utilize his own life and work as an example of how we should contribute liberally to the church in general.
I had no desire for anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing.
In all things, I have demonstrated to you that by working diligently in this manner, we must assist the needy and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who stated, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Bible says in Acts 20:32-35:
What Should Christians Be Giving?
Specifically, Paul instructs us to put up our best effort to aid the weak, which is most likely a reference to the impoverished or those who require assistance to care for themselves. At the time of his speech, Paul is not only appealing for encouragement and prayer for the poor, but he is also urging the church to make money contributions to those in need. The New Testament instructs us to contribute to both members of our faith family and to those who are not members of our religion family (Galatians 6:10).
As a result, when we analyze what Jesus meant when He stated it is more blessed to give than to receive, we must remember that our giving must be done not just in a spiritual and emotional sense, but also in a monetary and material sense.
The gospel calls on all people to use their resources wisely for the cause of the gospel, and to assist the poor, the weak, the widowed, and the orphans, among other things (1 Peter 4:10-11,James 1:27,Proverbs 19:17).
Jesus’ Example of Generous Giving
When it came to taking care of individuals inside and outside the religion, Jesus’ life and ministry illustrated Acts 20:35, as He cared for them both spiritually and physically. As He gave up the treasures of heaven in order for us to gain a portion of His inheritance, He called on Christians to give selflessly in the same way. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that while he was rich, he humbled himself for your sake, in order that you may become rich by his poverty” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
- The gospel requires us to invest ourselves in the lives of others, rather than putting our resources to use in our own pursuits for the purpose of personal gain.
- The teachings of Jesus in Mark 12:41-44 emphasize that sacrificial giving is more honorable than giving out of our surplus.
- A great number of wealthy individuals contributed large sums.
- “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has contributed more to the treasury than any of the others,” Jesus told his followers after calling them to him.
- She gave everything she had because she was poor.” -Matthew 12:41-44;
Why Is it Better to Give Than Receive?
The blessing of giving outweighs the blessing of receiving because our giving destroys our self-centeredness, takes away our love of money, and ignites our purpose to help others in need. We are blessed when we give rather than get. Because we have been given all we require in Christ, we have no reason to expect anything in exchange for our charitable contributions (Matthew 6:9-13, 19-34;Luke 12:22-34). When we take up our cross and deny ourselves, as Jesus instructed in Luke 9:23, we are able to experience happiness or blessing.
In Acts 20:24-25, Paul duplicated this same doctrine, saying, “But I do not regard my life as of any worth or as valuable to myself, if only I may fulfill my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the love of God.” This work of the gospel of grace that God works in and through us makes it possible for us to share our time, talents, and wealth with people who are suffering.
- Every donation of resources that is made kills a little bit more of our selfishness and places a little bit more reliance and confidence in God in the process.
- We put our faith in Him to provide for all of our needs, just as He does for the birds of the air, and we are grateful (Matthew 6:26-34).
- Our charitable contributions will never be in vain, especially when they are made with a cheerful heart.
- Each person must contribute as he or she has determined in their hearts, not grudgingly or under duress, for God delights in a joyful giver.
- He has dispersed liberally and given to the destitute; his righteousness will last forever, as it is written in the Bible.
- Giving helps to eliminate a person’s attachment to money.
- When we donate, we are entrusting God with all of the resources He has given for us, and we are trusting Him to utilize them as He sees fit.
- Our connection to greed, covetousness, and material possessions is broken when we love God, His word, and the things of this world more than we love money, material possessions, and the things of this world (Hebrews 13:5).
- Every shepherd in the church of God should be characterized by a noble disregard to material possessions.
- That is what occurs when you believe the Word of grace that has been given to you “Give rather than receive since giving brings greater blessings.” ’ 3.
- God designed us to be channels for the distribution of His goodness.
As we “preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,” as Paul put it in Ephesians 3:8, our sacrificial giving of finances and resources will naturally provide opportunities to not only help the poor and needy, but also to make people rich in Christ as we “preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” Giving of our time, skill, and wealth to people in need always leads to the preaching of the gospel to those who are receiving it.
It implies that we generously give of both our resources and the hope that comes from the gospel when we serve as a conduit for God’s mercy.
According to 1 Timothy 6:17-19, we are obligated to put our hopes on our heavenly inheritance and to be abundant in good deeds on this earth: “As for the wealthy in this day and age, exhort them not to be conceited, not to place their hopes in the uncertain future of wealth, but rather in God, who lavishly gives us with all we need to live comfortably.” In doing good, being wealthy in charitable acts, being kind and willing to give, they are accumulating riches for themselves as an excellent foundation for the future, so that they may grasp hold of that which is actually life.
- When we place our confidence in God and contribute generously in His name, the grace of the gospel is infused even more profoundly into our hearts and thoughts.
- Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Zaikina Stephanie Englehart is a native of Seattle, the wife of a church planter, a mother of three, and a lover of all things coffee, the great outdoors, and delicious (but simple to prepare) cuisine.
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- With this website, we hope to offer you with easy-to-read articles that address your concerns regarding the meaning, origin, and history of certain passages in the context of Scripture.
“Be still and know that I am God,” the Bible says. “Pray Without Ceasing” is an adage that has stuck with me. “It is a work of art that has been fearfully and wonderfully created.” The phrase “All Things Work Together for Good” means “Do Not Be Afraid.”
Where did Jesus say “It is better to give than receive?”
The line in Acts 20:35, in which Paul says, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is better to give than to receive,'” sparked a recent discussion on the CADRE website, with one visitor asking a query concerning the passage. The reader was interested in knowing where Jesus made this statement. My response was as follows: In pointing out that this particular Jesus phrase, which Paul cites, is not found anywhere else in the four Gospels, you are absolutely accurate. “This is a rare instance of a speech of Jesus that is not included in the canonical Gospels,” according to the introduction of my study Bible.
- No, I don’t believe so.
- Does the fact that the quotation is attributed to Paul imply that Jesus did not utter it?
- However, there are several grounds to conclude that Jesus was properly paraphrasing what Jesus had to say.
- When Paul writes in Galatians 1:18- 2:10, a letter that is almost universally regarded as authentically written by Paul, it is implied that he met at least twice with those in Jerusalem who were apostles who had personally known Jesus Christ.
- I did not, however, see any of the apostles other than James, the Lord’s brother, and that was a disappointment.
Following a fourteen-year hiatus, I returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas, bringing Titus along for the journey.” That I went up was because of a revelation, and I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in secret to those who were well-known, for fear that I was running, or had ran, in vain, at the time.
- ” As a result, three years after his encounter on the Road to Damascus, Paul went to live with Peter.
- Paul’s initial meeting with Peter would have offered him with “a plethora of knowledge” regarding “the life of our Lord,” “matters in which Paul would have deep interest, just as you and I do,” according to Peter’s account.
- (Galatians 1:10; 2:10; 3:10-2) Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M.) is a professor of theology.
- (Ibid.) Furthermore, Paul’s grasp of the Gospel is far more extensive than the “documentary” would lead you to assume from the beginning.
- “The following are some of the remarks Paul makes that refer to, or in some cases, hint to, the person and work of Jesus.
- His goal is not to teach history, but rather to deal with pastoral issues and provide hope to the early church in the New Testament.
- 3:16 – Jesus was born into a Jewish family.
4:4 – Jesus was born and raised under Jewish law.
9:5 – Jesus had brothers1 Cor.
15:7 – Jesus had twelve disciples2 Cor.
8:9 – Jesus was from the house of David1 Cor.
8:9 – Jesus was from the house of David1 Cor.
Some of Jesus’ followers had wives, according to 1 Corinthians 15:7.
2:5 – Jesus was a servant who performed with humility.2 Cor.
The Bible says in Romans 15:3 that Jesus did not act on his own behalf, but that he was accused by others.
4:25 – Paul speaks about Jesus’ death1 in Romans 4.
Paul references to the week of the Passion in 1 Corinthians 5:7.
8:34 – Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.
2:12, assuming that it would take place physically.
According to Craig Blomberg’s The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, on pages 228 and 229, Paul references to numerous of Jesus’ teachings in sections when he is speaking.
9:14 – Ministers are compensated with salaries.
Rom.
14:14 – We are to keep our homes clean for the Lord1 As a result of Jesus’ second coming, Paul advised being cautious in Thessalonians 4:15.
5:2-11.
The fact that Paul was in a position to know the facts concerning Jesus (with the apostles three years after his conversion, using the word historeo, so being concerned with history) and was in a place (Jerusalem) to know those facts is evident.
After all, he had persecuted Christians in his previous life as a Jewish zealot and was now in Jerusalem.
Take into consideration the fact that Paul personally seen the risen Jesus on the way to Damascus and had further contacts with him, which are documented in the book of Acts.
Lastly, please bear in mind that we believe that the book of Acts (along with all of the canonical texts) was inspired by the Holy Spirit, which authenticates the reality of the teachings contained within it.
It is at this point that the letter comes to an end, but I would like to express one final point: just because the Bible records a saying of Jesus that is not recorded anywhere else in the four Gospels does not mean that the field is open to admission and acceptance of every extra-biblical statement attributed to Jesus.
It contains many sayings of Jesus that are not recorded elsewhere in the gospels, as well as several sayings of Jesus that are found in the gospels.
In fact, I would be quite cautious about adopting any remarks ascribed to Jesus that were not explicitly stated in the Christian Bible.
Because this verse from Acts is already included in the Bible’s canon, and because the Book of Acts is one of the few books whose authenticity and canonicity are rarely questioned, I believe this is one of the relatively few quotes from Jesus that we can accept as authentic even if it does not appear anywhere in the four Gospels.
What Does the Bible Say About It Is Better To Give Than Receive?
In all things, I have demonstrated to you that by working diligently in this manner, we must assist the needy and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who stated, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Luke 6:38ESV / 72 helpful votes
Give, and it will be given back to you in return. Good measure, squeezed down, shaken together, and thrown into your lap will be placed in front of you. For with the measure you employ, you will be measured in return.”
Hebrews 13:16ESV / 46 helpful votes
Never forget to do well and to give generously of what you have, for such sacrifices are acceptable to God.
Malachi 3:10ESV / 34 helpful votes
To ensure that there is food in my home, please bring your entire tithe to the storehouse. Putting me to the test, as the Lord of hosts declares, will determine whether or not I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour down a blessing until there is no longer a need.
2 Corinthians 9:7ESV / 29 helpful votes
Each person must contribute as he or she has determined in their hearts, not grudgingly or under duress, for God delights in a joyful giver.
Proverbs 19:8ESV / 16 helpful votes
Whoever understands himself loves himself, and he who maintains his insight will discover good.
Psalm 116:1ESV / 6 helpful votes
I love the Lord because he has heard my cries for compassion and has responded to them.
Hebrews 13:2ESV / 5 helpful votes
Do not be afraid to provide hospitality to strangers, as some have done so unwittingly in the past, so entertaining angels.
1 Thessalonians 4:13ESV / 4 helpful votes
However, we do not want you to be ignorant of those who are sleeping, brothers, so that you do not grieve in the same way that those who are without hope do.
2 Corinthians 8:7ESV / 4 helpful votes
However, in the same way that you excel in all else—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete sincerity, and in our love for you—see to it that you excel in this act of grace as well.
Psalm 139:17ESV / 4 helpful votes
Your ideas, O God, are extremely dear to me. What a colossal amount of them there are!
Psalm 139:14ESV / 4 helpful votes
I thank you for creating me in such a dreadfully and beautifully way. Your creations are magnificent, and my soul is fully aware of this.
James 4:8ESV / 3 helpful votes
Bring yourself closer to God, and he will come closer to you. Please, all of you sinners and double-minded individuals, please clean up your hands and cleanse your hearts.
Suggest a Verse
Every piece of content on this site, unless otherwise stated, is released under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Without exception, all Scripture quotes are derived from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, unless otherwise stated. Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, was granted copyright protection in 2001. Please contact me at openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com if you have any questions. This page should be cited as: Stephen Smith is the editor. Date of publication: February 28, 2022.
Christian Bible Studies
20 Reasons Why It’s Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive
Two or three times a year made them really pleased, as contrasted to the 29 percent who didn’t do it at all. Those who have downloaded the free booklet, Start With Charity, have found it to be a good resource for learning more about God’s attitude to generosity.
They are written by and for individuals just like you, and it is incredible to watch what God accomplishes through their lives. To get it right away, go to this link. GET MY COPY OF THE BOOK
3. GIVING COMMUNICATES SOMETHING IMPORTANT ABOUT OUR WORLDVIEW
“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills are mine,” according to Psalm 50:10. This clearly demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the fact that He is the ultimate owner of all resources. Our hoarding expresses a conviction that there is only a limited amount of resources available and that, if we don’t obtain it, someone else will get it. There isn’t any place for the notion that God is capable of providing us with everything we require.
4. GIVING IS THE WAY GOD BLESSES OTHERS
‘For every beast of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills belong to me,’ declares Psalm 50:10. That God is sovereign over all things and that He is the ultimate owner of all resources is eloquently demonstrated in this passage. Someone else will receive what we don’t get because we don’t hoard enough. This notion is communicated via our hoarding. We don’t have room to believe that God will provide us with what we require.
5. GIVING HELPS US LIVE LONGER
In 2012, the journal Health Psychology published the results of a study that discovered that those who routinely volunteer have longer lives. However, there was a catch: it had to be done for the benefit of others. If you volunteered for any purpose other than the satisfaction of helping others, you did not reap the same long-term health advantages.
6. GIVING JOYFULLY MAKES GOD HAPPY
Paul explains it to us in his own words: “That should be self-explanatory.” Giving as a joyous expression pleases our Creator, and he is grateful.
7. GIVING INCREASES OUR SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS
It seems to reason that when we give to others, they will feel closer to us as a result. The fact that we feel closer to others when we give to them is something we may not have realized. The author, Sonja Lyubormirsky, argues in her book, The How of Happiness, that “being kind and giving causes you to regard people more favourably and charitably, and this develops a heightened feeling of connection and collaboration in your social group.”
8. GIVING IS AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE
God does not want us to contribute because we are forced to (2 Cor. 9:7), but He does want us to give because He loves us. In fact, Jesus urges us to contribute to anybody who comes to us with a request (Lk. 6:30). That’s a disturbing statement, to say the least.
9. GIVING IS CONTAGIOUS
The concept of “paying it forward” is not a fiction. It is a proven truth. When people are treated with generous generosity, they are more likely to treat others with the same level of benevolence as they have received. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University collaborated on a study that discovered the first experimental data demonstrating that cooperative conduct is contagious. It spreads through the use of social media.
10. GIVING GIVES YOUR LIFE MEANING
In many cases, there is a misalignment between our perceptions of ourselves and the reality of our lives. Many individuals would argue that they are not selfish, yet they nevertheless make decisions based on what they believe is in their best interests in the long run.
It is only after you have demonstrated your generosity that you can assert that giving is vital to you. Once you’ve done so, you’ll discover that it begins to define you in ways that you never imagined were possible.
11. GIVING BATTLES DEPRESSION
Feelings of loneliness and isolation are one of the factors that contribute to depressive cycles. Volunteering and giving to others has been demonstrated to be effective in the fight against self-hatred in studies.
12. GIVING PUTS GOD IN OUR DEBT
It is recorded in the book of Matthew that Jesus says, “The idea that God is keeping track of even the glasses of water that are given in His name should be quite inspiring.” This is how the writer of Proverbs puts it even more emphatically: “Whoever is kind to the needy contributes to the Lord, and He will reward him for his act” (Prov. 19:17). You owe God a duty of gratitude. Take a moment to consider that.
13. GIVING INCREASES OUR CONFIDENCE
One of the most important components of having a negative self-image is having a continual emphasis on ourselves and our current state of being. Self-preoccupation results in a distorted sense of one’s own identity. Giving allows us to shift our attention away from ourselves and toward others. The ability to have a strong sense of self-awareness is a wonderful thing, but that inner voice may be a continual source of negativity and criticism. Being kind not only shifts the focus of our attention away from ourselves, but it also provides our brain with a good explanation for why we’re not so horrible.
14. GIVING BUILDS TRUST
Givers place their faith in the recipient’s ability to use the gift appropriately when they give it to them. In your experience, you’ve probably overheard many individuals say things like, “I can’t offer a present to that person because they’ll just squander it on.” Creating a history of generosity provides you with a wealth of examples of individuals who did act appropriately in the past. Generous people are, on the whole, positive individuals.
15. GIVING MAKES YOU LISTEN DIFFERENTLY
If someone tells their story, generous individuals prefer to ask, “Is there anything I can do to help?” before moving on. More and more, they hear a need or a request at the heart of someone’s narrative as they contribute more and more. GET MY COPY OF THE BOOK
16. GIVING MAKES YOU LOOK AT YOUR RESOURCES DIFFERENTLY
Every donation increases the likelihood that individuals will perceive all of their available resources as potential possibilities. When people first begin to force themselves to be more altruistic, they will almost always think in terms of financial gain. After being seized by a spirit of generosity, individuals learn to perceive things such as time, attention, praise and the benefit of the doubt as tools for compassion rather than as obstacles to it.
17. GIVING GENERATES CONTENTMENT
Every donation increases the likelihood that individuals will view all of their available resources as potential possibilities. When people first begin to force themselves to be more selfless, they will almost always think in terms of financial reward and compensation. After being seized by a spirit of generosity, individuals learn to perceive things such as time, attention, praise and the benefit of the doubt as tools for compassion rather than as obstacles to be overcome.
18. GIVING PROMOTES A UNIVERSAL GOOD
Using a novel twist on a well-known game theory concept, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrated that cooperative conduct is not only promoted in big groups, but it also pays off for everyone involved.
19. GIVING HELPS CREATE LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
According to a 2011 research by the National Marriage Project, regular acts of generosity on the part of spouses fosters a sense of harmony that is beneficial to the partnership over the long run. We’re talking about small acts of kindness, such as bringing someone a cup of coffee or giving them a back rub, here.
20. GIVING MAKES YOU LIKEABLE
For the record, when you’re sincerely giving, people see you as trustworthy and kind—as long as your generosity appears genuine and charitable. All bets are off if it comes out as forced or manipulative.
It’s the Right Thing to Do
At the end of the day, this list is all about how you may profit from your charitable contributions. On some level, that’s understandable. Neither Jesus nor the apostle Paul are making a remark about advantage when they say, “It is better to give than to receive.” We must learn to be kind individuals not because we would gain from it, but because it is the proper thing to do. But it’s comforting to know that, if and when we do, we’ll get a lot more out of it than we put in.
Make Giving Easy for Your Congregation
It is ultimately all about how you may gain from your charitable contributions. That’s understandable on some levels. Neither Jesus nor the apostle Paul are making a remark about advantage when they say, “It’s better to give than to receive.” To be generous, we must do so out of a sense of duty rather than out of a desire for personal gain. We may not get all we want out of life, but it’s comforting to know that when we do, we’ll receive a lot more than we expect.
- Online giving, text giving, church app giving, donor development tools, and more are all available.
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‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
(35)I have demonstrated everything to you. – The lines allude to his motivation for behaving in the manner that he did. He wished to set an example for others and to illustrate how they should behave in all situations. To lend assistance to those in need. – The Greek verb is correctly rendered, however it is worth noting that it is the root of the word “help” in 1 Corinthians 12:28, which is a fact that should be noted. The term “weak” should be interpreted as referring to physical impairments.
- – It is important to note that the words that follow are not found in any of the four Canonical Gospels, nor in any of the Apocryphal Gospels.
- See the Introduction to the First Three Gospels in Vol.
- When the Apostle tells us to “remember” the words, it suggests that they have previously played an important role in his preaching.
- The word “all” refers to everything (v, for,1.q.
- I provided you with an example.
- However, it is possible that its force here is akin to the line in John 13:15, “I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you,” as the R.V.
- To provide a helping hand to the weak.
Their argument is that St.
As a result, the term “and” (Matthew 25:36; Matthew 10:8, etc.
), as well as the words of the Lord Jesus that follow, seem to imply almsgiving to the poor.
It’s likely that St.
As a result, the feeling expressed in our text is exactly identical to the commandment found in Ephesians 4:28.
This is the only case in which a speech of our Lord’s from an earlier time period, which was not recorded in the Gospels, is cited in Scripture.
It is hard to know how it got to St Paul’s attention, as well as the attention of the Ephesian elders, to whom he appears to have taken it for granted that they were aware of it.
When Clement (1 Corinthians it.) speaks in praise of the earlier character of the Corinthians, he appears to be alluding to the proverb, stating that they were “then” “as good as gold.” However, it is likely that he obtained it from the Acts of the Apostles, just as the author of the ‘Apostol.
- 3, 1).
- Parallel Commentaries In everything, there is an element of surprise (panta) Accusative – Adjective – Accusative Neuter PluralStrong’s 3956:everything, everything, everything at all.
- I demonstrated my point (hypedeixa) 5263: to imply, insinuate, propose, demonstrate, or prove.
- to exemplify.
- 2nd Person Pronoun PluralStrong’s 4771: You is an example of this.
- PluralStrong’s 2872:Comes from a derivation of kopos; to feel tired; to labor hard, as a result.
- helpἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι(antilambanesthai) Preposition – Present Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong’s 482: From anti and the middle voice of lambano; to take hold of in turn, i.e.
Article the (tn) – Genitive Masculine PluralStrong’s 3588:the, which is short for the definite article.
To be weak is derived from Asthenes.
to recall; to punish, implying punishment; also to rehearse.
to recall; to rehearse.
There are a number of different inflections of the feminine he and the neuter to.
Strong’s 3056 is a noun that is genitive, masculine, and plural.
Strong’s 3588:the, the definite article This includes all of the inflections of the feminine he as well as the neuter to; the definite article; and the.
“controller,” and thus “Master.” Jesus (Isou)Noun – Masculine Genitive Form of Jesus SingularStrong’s 2424 is as follows: Jesus, the name of our Lord, and two other Israelites are descended from the Hebrew language.
The reflexive pronoun self, which is used in the third person as well as the other persons, is derived from the particle au.
‘I am, exist,’ says SingularStrong in 1510.
more More specifically, (mallon)AdverbStrong’s 3123:More, rather.
A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.to give διδόναι(didonai) Verb – Present Infinitive ActiveStrong’s 1325: To offer, give; I put, place.
than ἢ(ē) ConjunctionStrong’s 2228: Or, than.
to receive.?
Jump to Previous BearBlessedBlessingExampleFeebleGiveGreaterHardHelpJesusKindLaboringMannerMemoryMindOughtReceive Remember RememberingShewedShowedShowingShownSupport ToilingWeakWordsWorkWorking Jump to Next BearBlessedBlessingExampleFeebleGiveGreaterHardHelpJesusKindLaboringMannerMemoryMindOughtReceive Remember RememberingShewedShowedShowingShownSupport ToilingWeakWords WorkWorkingLinks Acts 20:35 NIVActs 20:35 NLTActs 20:35 ESVActs 20:35 NASBActs 20:35 KJVActs 20:35BibleApps.com Acts 20:35 Biblia Paralela Acts 20:35 Chinese Bible Acts 20:35 French Bible Acts 20:35 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 20:35 In all things I gave you (Acts of the Apostles Ac) (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
10 Reasons Why ‘It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive’
“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” according to the Bible, is the beatitude that receives the least amount of attention (Acts 20:35). These remarks, which are well known since they were quoted by Paul, are not contained in any of the four Gospels, yet they are authentic nonetheless. These writings only include a portion of the words and actions of our Lord (John 21:25). Giving, even in this context, brings more genuine delight than getting, and it is also Godlike, bringing blessings for all time.
Isn’t there a misunderstanding?
To assist you in believing and acting on this belief, allow me to provide you with 10 examples of how being kind can bring more blessings than being graciously received.
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said “More Blessed to Give Than Receive?
According to the Tony Evans Bible Commentary, “According to God’s economy, being a spiritual conduit, as opposed to being a spiritual dead end, will bring greater blessings to your life. God want to work through you in order for you to be a benefit to others in your life. God will use you to give to and satisfy a need if you have the ability to do so (whether it’s with your money, your time, or your support). God will repay you for your kindness.” When we donate, we are putting ourselves in a position of humility and making a gift that God will accept and bless.
We will take a closer look at 10 reasons why it is more wonderful to give than to receive in this article.
1. Giving obeys God’s command
The Old Testament has many more directives concerning money giving — who should give, when should they give, and how much should they give – than the New Testament. Or it’s possible that the New Testament writers just thought that because God had given so much more to us in the New Testament – including His own death – that our giving would follow quite clearly and naturally. However, in case we should lose sight of the connection, there are unambiguous New Testament mandates as well (e.g.1 Corinthians 1:2).
2. Giving submits to God’s Lordship
Whenever we obey, we are acknowledging that there is a greater authority in our life, that there is a Lord who reigns over us and who is worthy of our adoration and reverence. Some directives may be very simple for us to follow depending on our temperament, personality, or current circumstances. Our submission is put to the test in those areas where our own nature and circumstances make obedience more difficult to achieve. Money is one of those things that most of us struggle with.
Our pocketbook is frequently the last castle to fall to God’s reign, and even when it does, it is rebuilt and re-secured all too fast after it has been destroyed. If only we could keep in mind that Divine Lordship is not a danger, but rather the place of utmost safety and security.
3. Giving exhibits God’s heart
Ultimately, God is the provider of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). It is our responsibility, as His image-bearers, to imitate His generosity and to be little representations of His immensely broad heart. The greater the size of our hearts (and the wider the width of our hands), the greater the image we create of God’s personality. What do you believe others think of God when they think of the way you use your financial resources?
4. Giving illustrates God’s salvation
The act of sacrificial self-giving is at the heart of the Gospel (John 3:16). So, when the Apostle Paul wished to urge the Corinthians to donate more, he directed them to the person and work of Jesus Christ, which they readily accepted. As it is written, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that while He was wealthy, for your sakes He became poor, in order that you could become rich through His poverty” (Ephesians 2:8). (2 Corinthians 2:9). Yes, you have a lot of trust, love, and other good qualities, but “see that you have a lot of grace as well.” It is only when we contribute selflessly and painfully for the benefit of others that we are effectively communicating the Gospel message on a little and inconsequential scale.
5. Giving trusts God’s provision
The most significant obstacle to charitable giving is fear, namely the concern that if I give away too much, I will not have enough money for this or that. The fact that we contribute sacrificially, above and beyond what is comfortable and simple for us, expresses our faith and confidence in God’s ability to provide for us and our family. This is not a defense of foolishness, but rather a defense of faith. In recent years, many Christians have found the thrill of tossing their crumbs of bread into the waves and having many loaves return after a period of time (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
6. Giving widens God’s smile
The Lord appreciates those who contribute cheerfully (2 Corinthians 2:7). The fact that His people are willing to offer their hearts and hands to meet the needs of His Church, and indeed of all His creatures, brings Him great joy. God, through the apostle Paul, consistently commends and celebrates people who have given of their wealth and of their lives to Gospel service in various ways (2 Corinthians 8:1). Everything a Christian wants is to know she’s doing her part to make God happy, and joyful giving equals a happy God, and that’s what makes a Christian happy.
7. Giving advances God’s kingdom
Many of us have made some sort of contribution to Apple in some capacity. We have been a part of the company’s growth from a garage operation to the international empire it has become today. This makes me glad since it is a corporation that has provided many blessings to the globe, which is something I value. Consider, however, the blessing that follows when we contribute to the work of Christ’s church. We are responsible for funding the wages of pastors and missionary workers. Our funds are being used to provide resources for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship.
We are also investing in the spiritual and eternal well-being of individuals from every nation, tribe, family, and tongue. This is our most important investment. Many people’s lives are being transformed by our dollars, including their homes, relationships, countries, and even their eternal fate.
8. Giving promotes God’ssanctification
Giving not only promotes God’s work through us, but it also promotes God’s work in us, which is our sanctification, via our generosity. Giving money, especially when it is difficult, necessitates a great deal of self-denial and self-crucifixion. As each act of generosity weakens and even breaks our sinful and selfish nature, the more God’s love grows in our hearts, as we give to others. Yes, money is taken from our pockets, but sin is also taken from our hearts. And it is a fantastic offer. In fact, it’s priceless.
9. Giving testifies to God’s power
Despite the fact that we are not supposed to tell our left hand what our right hand is doing, it is very evident that Christians contribute generously to their churches and Christian organizations. The generosity with which Christians frequently spend their money has been noted even by non-believers, who have expressed their surprise. They may not say it, but they undoubtedly believe it: “This has had to be the genuine deal if individuals are willing to give up so much of their hard-earned money.” They must truly believe what they are saying.
10. Giving praises God’s character
Giving in the appropriate spirit is a kind of devotion in and of itself. Essentially, it is paying Him a payment of praise. It is expressing itself. “You have given me everything, and this is a little token of my thanks and appreciation for all of your wonderful presents. Only a symbol, a taste of what I truly feel, yet you understand the depths of my feelings in their simplest form. “What shall I return to the Lord for all his mercies toward me?” David said in one of his songs. Psalm 116:12 is a passage from the Bible.
The joy we experience when we see God glorified through our giving and when we witness God benefit others as a result of our giving is indescribably rewarding.
David Murray is a Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, among other things.