Acts 20:33

“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.] This the apostle says, not merely in vindication of himself, and his character, from all charge or suspicion of avarice; but chiefly for the instruction of these elders, and all others of the same office, not to indulge the sin of covetousness, which is very disagreeable, and ought not to be in a minister of the word; and it may be observed, that many things which the apostle says before of himself to those elders, is said not to commend himself, nor so much in his own vindication, as for their imitation; compare with this (<041615>Numbers 16:15, <091203>1 Samuel 12:3) and to point out the character of false teachers that would come in,…”

“I have coveted - I have not desired. I have not made it an object of my living among you to obtain your property. Thus, 2 Corinthians 12:14 he says, “I seek not yours, but you.” Paul had power to demand support in the, ministry as the reward of his labor, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14. Yet he did not choose to exercise it, lest it should bring the charge of avarice against the ministry, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:15. He also had power in another respect. He had a vast influence over the people. The early Christians were disposed to commit their property to the disposal of the apostles. See Acts 4:34-35, Acts 4:37. The pagan had been accustomed to devote their property to the support of…”

“I have coveted - Here the apostle begins the other branch of his farewell discourse, like old Samuel, Sa1 12:3, taking his leave of the children of Israel. Acts 20:34”

“Num 16:15; Sa1 12:3-5; Co1 9:12, Co1 9:15, Co1 9:18; Co2 7:2, Co2 11:9, Co2 12:14, Co2 12:17; Pe1 5:2 Acts 20:34”