Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good. Then they’ll be able to take care of people who have urgent needs, and they won’t be living useless lives.
Then you’ll be able to lead a life that is worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. You’ll bear fruit in every good thing you do, you’ll get to know God better,
This is a saying you can trust. I want you to emphasize these things so that those who trust in God will be careful to commit themselves to doing good. These things are excellent and good for everyone.
Anyone who used to steal must never steal again. Instead, they should work, doing something useful with their own hands, so that they will have something to share with people in need.
You didn’t choose me, I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit that would endure, so that you would receive from the Father anything you ask for in my name.
We didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, we worked night and day, laboring away so that we wouldn’t cause any expense to any of you.
In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
He saw a fig tree by the road and went up to it, but he didn’t find anything on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Right away the tree dried up.
Brothers and sisters, I’m sure you remember how hard we worked. We labored night and day while we preached God’s good news to you so that we wouldn’t cause you any expense.
So first I’m going to finish this task and make sure that the poor in Jerusalem receive this offering, and then I’ll go to Spain and visit you on my way.