We are all familiar with Christ’s teaching that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), the only problem is that there is no record of Him ever saying it. That phrase does not appear in any of the four gospels, and it only comes to us second hand via St. Paul’s quoting it.
So, if it was not set down in writing, can we be sure Jesus said it? The answer is, “Yes,” and, like Sherlock Holmes, we can solve this dilemma by deductive reasoning.
First, knowing that not everything Christ said or did over His three-year ministry could ever be properly documented, St. John’s gospel explicitly states, “There are also many other things. Were every one of them to be written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for these books that would be written.” (John 21:25)
Second, although this exact phrase does not appear in the gospels, it nonetheless supports, rather than contradicts, any aspect of Jesus’ teaching. In other words, the statement is harmonious with what our Lord preached and taught.
Thirdly, the fact that St. Luke records it in the Book of Acts, and that the elders in Ephesus recognized this as an authoritative teaching of Jesus,’ proves that it was commonly accepted, and an example of oral tradition prior to the written word.
So… now that you know the backstory of this quote, it’s time to live it and practice it; because not only is it more blessed to give than to receive, but “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully, will also read bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2nd Cor. 9:6-7).
