“And now, brethren,” he continued, “I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.” Some of the Ephesian brethren were wealthy; but Paul had never sought to receive personal benefit from them. It was no part of his message to call attention to his own wants. He declares, “These hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” Amid his arduous labors and extensive journeys for the cause of Christ, he was able, not only to supply his own wants, but to spare something for the support of his fellow-laborers and the relief of the worthy poor. This was accomplished only by unremitting diligence and the closest economy. Well might he point to his own example, as he said, “I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” {LP 201.2}

"Så" fortsætter han, "overgiver jeg jer nu til Herren og til hans nådes ord, som formår at opbygge og at give arven til alle de hellige. Sølv eller guld eller klæder har jeg ikke begæret af nogen." Nogle af brødrne i Effesus var velhavende; men Paulus forsøgte aldrig at få personlig udnytte fra dem. Der var intet i hans budskab der henledte opmærksomheden til hans egne mangler. Han erklærer: “Disse hænder har indtjent alt, hvad jeg og mine ledsagere trængte til." Midt i hans besværlige arbejde og omfattende rejser for Kristi skyld, var han i stand til at ikke kun dække hans egne behov, men spare noget til sine medarbejderes støtte, og hjælpe de værdigt trængende. Dette blev udrettet ved utrættelig flid og den nøjeste sparsommelighed. Han kunne godt pege på sit eget eksempel, da han sagde: "Jeg har vist jer, at ved således at arbejde bør vi tage os af de skrøbelige og ihukomme Herren Jesu ord, at han selv har sagt: »Saligere er det at give end at modtage."