"Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:34, 35 (NKJV) See also Acts 18:1-4, 11, 18; 19:9,10

These Scriptures reflect on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. This preacher, teacher, writer, apostle, evangelist, disciple maker, church planter, and elder fulfilled his God-assigned ministry while working with his hands. In the two locations where he carried on extended ministry, he worked 4 ½ years as a tentmaker; teaching in the synagogues on Sabbaths and teaching disciples daily. During these years he not only supported himself financially, but supported all those on his ministry team. This fact was clearly known by the Ephesian elders who had observed his vocation and avocation. (You can determine which activity of the Apostle Paul was vocation and which was avocation.) It is also noted that the Apostle received very infrequent support from a couple of churches.

Faithful servants of God who fulfill their God-given ministry while laboring with their hands to support their family and others certainly set a honorable example.

Spiritual Leadership Concepts

● A chosen servant of God may work a living with his hands while fulfilling his ministry with time available.

● Faithfully fulfilling ministry assigned by God does not preclude a Spirit-filled servant working a living with his hands.

● Buying up every opportunity to fulfill one's calling honors the Lord who calls us.

● A spiritual leader who works a livelihood with his hands can set the example of giving to meet the needs of others.