Philippians 4:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But since the Apostle's speech could seem exaggerated, see how he immediately corrects it and says, "I can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens me." This, he says, is not my perfection, but that of Him who gave the strength.

Since he sensed that he had said much about himself, he says: this perfection is not mine, but belongs to Christ who gave the strength.

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).

You say that it is impossible to conquer oneself, though this is required of a disciple of evangelical philosophy. This is indeed so, but with Christ's help it is possible.

As He commanded us to learn from Himself, "Learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Mt 11:29), so He promised to give us help whenever we ask. "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Mt 7:7-8).

Only strive, labor, struggle, acknowledge before Him your ignorance and infirmity, and pray to Him diligently. Then help will be given you. Thus, with His help, what is impossible for you by yourself and without His help will become possible for you.

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.

Jesus Christ gives rest to those who labor under the yoke of the Law. These are those who, while striving in virtue, experience the burden and obstacles of the struggle more than its progress. As it continues, they seem to weaken rather than grow strong.

For Christ, the power of God and the Wisdom of God, grants both the light of pure knowledge and the strength for perfect fulfillment. He lightens the struggle and strengthens the struggler. He removes obstacles, sends help, leads unharmed through dangers, conquers our enemies within us, and crowns His own victory in us.

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.

“This,” he says, “is not my perfection, but the perfection of Him Who gave strength” (St. Chrysostom). The grace of God made it so that even without eating I did not hunger. Possessing nothing, I was like a rich man. Moses, after spending forty days without food, did not grow weak. Is not the Lord of the Apostles the same as the Lord of Moses? Where the power of God is, weaknesses disappear. Fire often did not burn the martyrs, water did not drown them, and scraping did not wound them. Is it a great thing always to keep the Apostle’s hunger satisfied, so that he could freely turn all his care to the Gospel? The weaknesses of nature in them were the same as in us, but the power of the spirit was not the same.