Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 4:15-23”
Categories: Philippians“You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
---End of Scripture verses---
When churches and individual Christians help support preachers and the spread of the Gospel it is “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (verse 18). Paul used familiar Old Testament language associated with the former system of animal sacrifices to show that God is pleased with us when we give up something of value in order to support the most important cause that will ever exist. It appears to me that Paul viewed this congregational contribution to be a form of worship offered to the Lord in heaven.
We will never lose when we give sacrificially to the Lord, and there is no way that we can ever possibly out-give Him. “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (verse 19). The true, spiritual, lasting riches can only be found in a covenant relationship with God through the atoning sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Christ temporarily gave up the riches and glories of heaven so that we could enjoy them with Him for all eternity. If we seek first the kingdom of God He will take care of all our needs on earth and crown us with eternal glory in heaven.
We will have some introductory remarks about Paul’s letter to the Colossians tomorrow Lord willing.
Have a super day!
- Louie Taylor
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