Philippians 4:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

“I say this not because I am in need.” That is, I said “now at last,” and thereby reproached you, not because I desire my own benefit. Nor did I complain of want, as though I were poor, for this was not what I sought. How is it clear, Paul, that you are not vaunting yourself? “We write you nothing,” he says to the Corinthians, “but what you read or understand” (2 Cor 1:13). Nor would he have spoken this way to the Philippians if he were going to be convicted of falsehood. He would not have said this if he were vaunting himself, because he spoke to those who knew him. From them it would have been more shameful to hear a conviction of falsehood. “For I,” he says, “have learned to be content with what I have.” This means that it is a matter of learning, exercise, and effort. It is not easy. On the contrary, it is very difficult and very toilsome.

Do you see that rejoicing in contentment is no easy matter? For this, practice and effort are needed. He says, "I have learned."

I do not rejoice because of want, nor do I say this because abundance surrounds me. For I have learned to be content with what I have, in which I now stand firm.

A good counselor says, “I have learned to be content with what I have” (Phil 4:11). He knew that the root of all evils is the love of money (1 Tim 6:10). Therefore he was content with what he had and did not seek what belonged to another. He says: “What I have is enough for me, whether little or much. For me it is very much.” Perhaps this should be stated more forcefully. The Apostle spoke important words: “What I have is enough for me.” That is, he has neither lack nor excess. There is no lack, because he seeks nothing more. There is no excess, because he has not only for himself, but for many. This concerns money.

I say this after a sufficient number of experiences of both conditions, of fullness and hunger, of want and abundance. But lest, by writing this, he grieve them, as though what they had done were unnecessary, the Apostle adds: "Nevertheless you did well to share in my affliction" (v. 14).

"I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content." Contentment with one's condition and with the available means of life is recognized as a rule of high wisdom and the best means for being happy.

As a true wise man, the Apostle understood the importance of this rule better than many, and he fulfilled it in his life.

The Apostle says that he “rejoiced greatly” when he saw new proofs of the Philippians’ care for him. Although he needs nothing, for he “knows how to live in want and in abundance, and can do all things in Jesus Christ Who strengthens him,” the kindness of the Philippians is pleasing to him. They distinguished themselves from all the churches, and even before this had more than once sent to him for his need. The present gift, sent with Epaphroditus, the Apostle received “as a fragrant incense, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God.” “My God shall supply every need of yours.” Thus the Apostle concludes his thanks, ascribing eternal glory to God and the Father for the Philippians.

Expressing gratitude to the Philippians for their gifts and their readiness for new ones, the Apostle says that he receives all this with joy and consolation. He receives it as good fruit, beneficial for the donors themselves and pleasing to God, like fragrant incense. As for the satisfying of the Apostle’s needs, he scarcely knew them. He knew how to live both in abundance and in want. From this he concludes that, whatever should happen to him, he can bear it calmly with the cooperation of Jesus Christ. According to John Chrysostom, the Apostle “does this, that is, speaks this way, so that benefactors may not become puffed up and may be zealous for beneficence. Through it they bring more benefit to themselves.

Then the Apostle expresses his joy that the Philippians sent him assistance. This circumstance, like every act of almsgiving, undoubtedly brought them great benefit by strengthening in them a feeling of love for the Apostle.

What am I saying? I express such joy. I do not rejoice this way because my wants were crushing me and you removed them. I have already become accustomed to this. I have learned to be content with what there is, and with whatever happens to be at hand. He does not say that there was no want. Rather, he declares that it did not burden him and that he did not feel it. It was not for him a crushing grief. “I have learned,” that is, by the experiences of life and by a reasonable understanding of its course, in surrender to God Who orders our paths. “In whatever state I am,” that is, in whatever circumstances I may be, whether everything is scanty for me or everything is in abundance. I receive all as from the hand of the Lord, and I am content with all. Glory to God for everything.