I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring 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.

Acts 20:35

It is often asked where the quote “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is found. There is no direct quote to that effect recorded in the Gospels. At this point, Paul may have, and probably did have, copies of the letters written by the other apostles, just as Peter refers to what Paul has written.

2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Although it is not recorded in one of the gospel letters, it could be a compilation or paraphrase of one or more verses in the Gospels. Many things the Lord did and said were not recorded in the Gospels. The idea is certainly contained within the Scriptures.

John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Paul could have been told it by one of the other apostles, by Luke, or directly from our Lord himself.

Galatians 1:18-19 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.

Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The idea is certainly contained within the Scriptures.

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