August 3 / Philippians 4:10-23

Philippians 4:10-23

It’s helpful to recall Paul’s previous visits and activities with the Philippians. He met them on his second missionary journey, when he and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail and the Philippian jailer was converted. From there he went to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth, where he stayed for 18 months. It is this journey that Paul mentions in today’s reading in verse 16 (Even in Thessalonica…) and in verse 15 (…when I left Macedonia…). Then on his third missionary journey Paul traveled through Philippi after spending two to three years in Ephesus, then went down to Corinth and back through Philippi on his way to Jerusalem. It was on this third missionary journey that Paul was collecting funds for the relief of the poor in Jerusalem – with both the Thessalonians and the Philippians generous in their giving. So when Paul says in verse 10, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity…, he is likely recalling the Philippians’ generosity on both his second and third missionary journeys. At the end of his third missionary journey Paul spent two or more years in Jerusalem and Caesarea before going to Rome. So the Philippians may have lost touch with him during this prison time in Caesarea and Rome when they had no opportunity… But now Paul says, from his prison cell in either Caesarea or Rome, …now at length you have revived your concern for me.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. (v. 17) While Paul is indeed thankful for the Philippians’ generosity and their supplying his needs, he is more thankful that their gifts for him are recognized by God: I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (v. 18b) Here Paul is alluding to wilderness and temple sacrifices that Jews have long offered to God. I want to make the point here that our generosity toward the Kingdom is recognized by God. Our small gifts – our time, treasure, and talent – are seen by God and they accrue to our account with Him. Our tithes and offerings do not go unnoticed! Christians need to get out from under the burden of required giving and move to the glory that comes from cheerful giving (II Corinthians 9:7). GLORY!!

Slava Bohu!