Philippians 4:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Again, this is great praise, because while he was in the chief city, he received support from a small city.

And see: lest, by always presenting himself as wholly content, he make them careless, as I said before, he showed many times that he did not suffer need. Here he expressed it with only one word: "for need."

He did not even add "my," but simply "for need," preserving his dignity. He does this not only here, but also in what follows.

Since the Apostle found this expression very humiliating, he then corrects it, saying, "Not that I seek the gift" (Phil 4:17).

Their praise is great also because, while he was in the metropolis, he was fed at the expense of a small city. For by "need" he means necessary expenses, not comforts and luxury.

You not only gave help in our present need, but even in Thessalonica you sent once and again for my need.

A praise worthy of men. For they not only showed honor to the Apostle when he was with them, but also cared for him after he left them.

They generously sent him what he needed when he lived in the capital and when he set out to another people. But lest anyone think that the Apostle praises them for bodily services, he adds: "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account" (v. 17).

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.

He explains that, precisely at the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel there, in their own regions, they entered with the Apostle into communion of giving and receiving. For from them he passed on to the Thessalonians.

As soon as he passed on, they sent him what he needed; afterward they sent again. They saw that he had nothing and had gone away from them with nothing. Their compassion could not bear to leave him in such helplessness.

They did not yet know whether the Thessalonians would receive him as they had. So they sent. In this lies great praise for their kindness of heart.

"For my need," eis ten chreian, means for needs. The Apostle did not demand anything. Rather, they themselves, supposing him to be in need, sent it. "My" is not in the original.