Acts 20:32-38 NKJV

[32] “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [33] I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. [34] Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities and for those who were with me. [35] 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.’ ” [36] And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. [37] Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, [38] sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Why would Paul be so intentional to point out his self-sufficiency?

The Jewish priests had servants who attended to their needs. All of the duties that were not related to priesthood were handled by someone else; typically Levites and non-Israelites. There was a social hierarchy that placed everyone else beneath the priests. Paul thought it was necessary to remind them that the legacy he would leave behind was the example of selfless service for God's glory and not his own.

Everybody wants to be somebody. We all like to feel important, respected, and valued.

If what I'm doing FOR you doesn't seem to matter TO you, why should I do it?

If you aren't going to appreciate it, I'll probably resent doing it for you anyway.

It seems pretty selfish and egocentric to put those thoughts in writing. By default, my sinful nature heads straight towards that train of thought.

Everything Jesus did during His three year ministry was based on a foundation of unconditional love and personal sacrifice. I can't REALLY say that I love God and follow Jesus if I am solely focused on me first.