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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Philippians 4:14 - 4:20
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The generosity of the Philippians and God's reward:
v. 14. Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye did communicate with my affliction.
v. 15. Now ye Philippians know also that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
v. 16. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
v. 17. Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
v. 18. But I have all and abound; I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
v. 19. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
v. 20. Now unto God and our father be glory forever and ever! Amen.
The apostle now turns the attention of his readers back to the Philippians and their gift, his delicacy and tenderness being unwilling to leave them under the impression as though he did not appreciate their thoughtfulness and love to the full: All the same, you have done well that you shared in my affliction. It was a truly good work to remember him thus. It is also today a good and laudable thing if all Christians take proper care of their pastors in gifts of this world. That is an evidence of their love and appreciation of the Gospel.
Paul now mentions instances of the generosity of the Philippians: But you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For also in Thessalonica you sent once and a second time to me for my need. Paul speaks commendingly of the fact that the Philippians, whom he singles out by the use of their name, had excelled in this particular work of taking care of his bodily needs. It was in the days when he first came to Macedonia, when he had preached the Gospel in Philippi and then had continued his journey to Thessalonica, which was situated just 100 Roman miles (about 92 English) west on the Via Egnatia. During Paul's stay at Thessalonica, the congregation at Philippi had repeatedly remembered him with gifts of their gratitude; they had taken care of him when he was in need, certainly a splendid example for all Christian congregations.
But in praising the Philippians, Paul does not want to create a false impression: Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. That was not Paul's object in reminding of their kindness in the past; he was not giving them a hint to send him some more gifts. He was not interested so much, and for his own person, in the external gift as in the evidence which it presented as being a fruit of their faith, which would be charged to their credit. The account in their favor would be largely increased by such manifestations of their faith in love. They would in due time receive their returns, the reward of grace in full value. Eternity will reveal how many gifts of love individuals and congregations have made for the cause and to the ministers of Christ.
There was no need of worrying on his account: But I have all and have abundance; I am filled, having received of Epaphroditus the things from you, an odor of sweetness, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God. Since the messenger of the Philippian congregation, Epaphroditus, had delivered their bounty, Paul now had more than his immediate needs required; he had nothing left to wish for, he had not only outward abundance, but inward satisfaction as well. He calls their gift a savor of sweetness, like the Old Testament sacrifices that were well-pleasing to God. Their work of love was acceptable to God, it found favor in His sight; it pleases Him when congregations show their loving appreciation of the spiritual gifts which they have received by imparting to their teachers of their earthly goods.
Paul now makes such returns as he is able to make: But my God will fill all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To God, however, and our Father be glory forever and ever! Amen. This is a prayer that God would fulfill every need of the Philippian brethren. What they still lack in spiritual gifts, in knowledge of Christ, God will supply, and abundantly, with the infinite possibilities of His riches. If believers supply the physical wants of their pastors in a spirit of true love and faith, God will let this good work redound to their furtherance in spiritual growth. Since He has all riches, in both the physical and spiritual domain, He can supply and donate spiritual gifts in endless variety and richness. For the greatest riches are those in the glory of Jesus Christ. Whatever good gifts in spiritual riches God gives have been made possible through the mediatory work and vicarious sacrifice of Christ. All spiritual gifts and blessings are ours in Him. And God gives them to the believers for Christ's sake. For that reason all glory shall be given to God, who is also our Father, the Father of all believers in and through Jesus. This praise and glory shall be given to Him as His rightful due forever and ever. Amen. Thus Paul, after his custom, ends with a doxology, with an expression of praise to the Lord, the Giver of all good gifts.