Philippians 4:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

On the other hand, benefactors become more negligent when they see in the recipient not a good disposition, but contempt for their alms. They give generously when they call forth gratitude and bring relief.

Therefore, lest this happen, and lest someone say that Paul disdains relief, and that they therefore necessarily became negligent, see how he forestalls this too. By the preceding words he destroyed their conceit. By what follows he stirs up their zeal, saying, "Nevertheless you have done well, having shared in my affliction."

Do you see how he both separated himself and joined himself to them again? This is the mark of sincere, spiritual friendship. Do not think, he says, that I have no need of your help because I suffer no need. I suffer need for our sake.

He said, "I know how to be content." Now, lest the Philippians be offended by him, as though he had not gladly accepted what they offered, or even regarded it as useless to himself, he removes this suspicion.

Those who give are usually offended when those who receive say that they have no need. Therefore he says, "Nevertheless you have done well." That is, although I have no need, still I accepted your gift.

Notice his wisdom, and how he exalts this deed. By saying, "You shared in my affliction," he placed them on the same level with himself. I truly endure this, he says; but because you cared for me, God also recognizes you as my fellow workers.

Thus by the preceding words the Apostle destroyed their conceit, while by these words he stirs up their zeal.

Nevertheless, you did well by taking part in my affliction, both when I was present with you and when I was absent.

This is to your advantage, because you became sharers in my sufferings. Then another praise follows.

The Apostle says that he "rejoiced greatly" when he saw new proofs of the Philippians' care for him. Although he is in need of nothing, for he "knows how to live both in want and in abundance, and can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens him," their kindness is pleasing to him.

They stood out from all the churches, and more than once before they had sent him what he needed. The Apostle accepted the present gift, sent with Epaphroditus, "as fragrant incense, a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God."

"My God shall supply every need of yours." Thus the Apostle concludes his thanksgiving, sending up eternal glory to God and the Father for the Philippians.

In defining the meaning of the Philippians' offering in relation to themselves, the Apostle praises them. He points to their ready zeal in this matter, thereby removing every occasion to think that he did not value their help.

On the contrary, when he received it, he experienced special satisfaction. He considered that they had done this for him as a servant of God. Thus in him and through him they offered sacrifice to God, as though fulfilling Christ's commandment concerning receiving those who come in His name.

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.

Judging from the preceding words, it could have seemed that Saint Paul did not value the assistance, or that he disdained it. No, he says, I did not speak in that sense. I only wished to comfort you, so that you would not grieve.

You might have imagined that, during all the time when you could not help me, I was crushed by sorrow. No, I was of good courage, being strengthened by my Lord. This is what I wished to tell you.

But in sending help now, you have done well, because through it you have shared in my affliction. As one who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward (cf. Mt 10:41), so they also will receive the reward of those who relieved affliction.