Nehemiah 5:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The apostle states that the Lord instructed those who proclaim the gospel to support themselves through it. Yet I found no joy in any of these privileges. For twelve years, Nehemiah and his companions conducted themselves under his governance in such a manner that they refrained from consuming the provisions of the province, meaning they did not accept any taxes for their own benefit. This serves as a profound illustration that apostolic work is characterized by a leader of God's people who conducts themselves with honor while nurturing the Church and does not pursue personal gain by demanding worldly rewards from those they shepherd through preaching and virtuous living.