Philippians 4:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Since he said, "Not that I seek," lest he again make them careless, he says, "I have received everything, and abound." That is, through this gift you have also made up for former omissions, which especially stirred up their zeal.

It is known that the better benefactors are, the more they desire gratitude from those who receive their benefits. "I have received everything, and abound" means that you not only made up what was omitted in the past, but have done still more.

Then, lest this appear to be an accusation, see how he confirms the preceding words. Since he said, "Not that I seek the gift," and "you have begun again," he showed that it was a duty.

This is not what "I have received" means. He again shows that they did more than they were obliged to do, and says, "I have received."

"I have received everything, and abound." Since he had said, "I do not seek," lest he cool their zeal or make them more careless, he says, "I have received everything, and abound."

The more wise benefactors are, the more gratitude they seek from those who receive their benefaction. His meaning is this: by your gift you have not only made up what had earlier been omitted, but have done still more.

By saying "I have received," as though speaking of something due from them, he prevents them from becoming proud. Then, for their consolation, he again shows that they have done even more than was due, by sending him a surplus.

But I have all things and abound. I am filled, and through your love I have received what you sent me through Epaphroditus as a fragrant aroma.

Paul does not encourage them without reason by saying that something still remains to be done. He considers that much has already been done, but some of what was done was done with a certain negligence.

It was not as abundant as was characteristic of them. He wants them, remembering their former deeds, to know that now they have done less than at the beginning.

You gave to Epaphroditus, Epaphroditus gave to me, and through me God received the sacrifice. Their own poverty increases the praise, because they sent while not having abundance themselves, but living in extreme poverty.

The Apostle made this clear in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. He speaks thus: "Their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their simplicity" (2 Cor 8:2).

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 have received everything" is not an assurance that Epaphroditus withheld nothing. It expresses that he received it with an open and joyful heart. He said this so that, when they heard, "I do not seek the gift," they would not think their gift was forced upon him and burdened him.

For the same reason he says, "I am filled; I abound." In these words also he has them in mind. "You have not only made up what was omitted in the past, but have done still more" (Chrysostom).

Glory to God! Now there is enough of everything. Yet this gladdens me not because it brings me comfort, but because what you sent is a sacrifice pleasing to God and accepted by Him as a fragrant aroma.