Acts 20:33

“I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.”

‘I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.' How could he even wish to when he was a recipient of Christ's inheritance? But he wants them to recognise that it was nevertheless true, and that he did not just teach the doctrines of faith. He believed in them and lived by them.

So he points out that he had been satisfied with his inheritance. In no way had he ever obtained any earthly benefit from them. He had not desired or accepted gold, or silver or clothing. He had rather laboured with his own hands to provide himself with the necessities of food and clothing, both for himself and his companions. For what God gave him was sufficient for him. This was in a day when there were many travelling teachers and philosophers who in return for their services expected both. Indeed some in the Corinthian church had actually suggested that the fact that he had not been paid for his preaching demonstrated his inferiority (2 Corinthians 11:7; 2 Corinthians 11:20).

Paul made a point of never receiving gifts from churches unless he was absolutely certain that they came from hearts that overflowed with genuine love and fellowship, and never while he was working among them. He did not state that it was wrong to do so. He even said that it was his right in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). But he would still not do it (1 Corinthians 9:15). Thus this was very much a Pauline attitude. And it was to be seen by the elders as an example to follow as he now makes clear.