Philippians 4:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

By these words he expresses the same thing as by the preceding words: "I say this not because I am in need." Yet the first expression is stronger than the latter.

It is one thing, while poor, not to seek; it is another, while being in poverty, not even to consider oneself poor. "Not," he says, "that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account," not to mine.

Do you see that the fruit grows for them? I say this not for myself, he says, but for you, for your salvation. By receiving from you, I gain nothing.

Grace belongs to those who give. The reward is kept there for those who give, while the gift is spent here by those who receive. Again, while speaking of need, he praises them and expresses his sympathy.

Since he said something humiliating by saying, "for need," he continues so that they would not become proud because of it.

I say this not because I seek a gift from you, but for your benefit, so that you may have fruit that will serve for your advantage. Do you see? They themselves received benefit from the giving.

I do not say this because I seek a gift, but because I seek the fruit of good things increasing on your account.

For I have no need of this, but I greatly value your advantage. Then, magnifying their service, he says, "I have received everything, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (v. 18).

I am not in need, Paul says, and I do not seek this gift. Yet you ought to show mercy, if only so that the fruit of your good will may also come to me.

For when I pray for you, or thank God for you, I acquire the fruit of the prayer spoken for you, when I understand that you are being filled with good will.

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.

I say this not because I seek gifts for myself from those whom I have converted, or because I am delighted when they give something. Rather, this shows their fruit-bearing.

From this it is evident that the seed of my word fell on good ground, has already grown into a tree, and has begun to bear fruit. This fruit, he says, is what I seek and what I rejoice to see.

Yet it is not for me, but for you. Loving you, I rejoice that you are fruitful in good.

"Do you see that the fruit grows for them? I say this not for myself, he says, but for you, for your salvation. In receiving from you, I gain nothing. Grace belongs to those who give. For the reward is kept there for those who give, while what is given is spent here by those who receive."

By this the Apostle expresses his concern for their inward state (Chrysostom).