Philippians 4:10-23

Outline

VIII. Response to Generosity 10-23

Points of Interest

Background: As is so often the case, scholars find a lot to argue about here!  The big debate topic for this last seemingly non-controversial section is whether or not Paul asked the Philippians for help.  If you are anything like me, you roll your eyes at this one… Maybe Paul asked them to send him a “care package” and maybe he didn’t.  We know that he had repented to the Corinthians about not requiring them to aid in his support when he was with them (1Cor. 9, 2Cor. 11). These kinds of arguments really do nothing to aid our understanding of his message, and the little secret is: the text doesn’t say anyway! What is clear in this passage is that Paul did receive gifts from Philippi, he was glad to have received them, and that giving is a big part of what the Christian life is all about.

vv. 10-12: Paul acknowledges the gifts he has received from the Philippians and shares that he rejoices in their receipt. While he doesn’t mention what kind of gifts they were, it is certainly likely that they are material in nature.  Note that he doesn’t say “thank you” in this passage!  Some have called this passage a “thankless thanks” because of this.  It seems more likely that Paul has it in mind that this is a “teachable” moment, as we will see.  He mentions that he has learned to be satisfied in any circumstance. Note that this is a recurring theme in the book… His satisfaction while in want (humility) and in plenty give us an almost casual attitude about things that arte material; quite the contrast with those whose lives are governed by their stomachs!

vv. 13-14: Verse 13 is the reason for Paul’s apparent lax attitude regarding material circumstances.  He receives his true needs from his relationship with Christ, and even when the things of this world are rough, his true need for his spiritual and eternal life are met through Christ.  This verse is a favorite devotional verse, and is often misapplied because we tend to apply it to everything in life; this is not Paul’s point.  The Lord may or may not take away a physical affliction, illness or poverty.  Paul’s point is that these things are minor by contrast to all that life in Christ is.  In the next verse, Paul indicates that it is good that they have shared in his needs: He appreciates their thinking of him. It is good because they have exhibited Christ-likeness, not simply because he needed something. This is an excellent example for us!

vv. 15-19: Paul continues to refer to their giving, noting that they have shown uncommon generosity and brotherly love that many other churches have not been eager to demonstrate.  He then concludes by referring again to a higher need and benefit for giving.  They have shared in his deprivations by offering gifts, not just to him, but to God. Voluntary giving to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate are not sacrifices or gifts to the recipients (needy) but to God Himself: this is behaving in a Christlike manner, and the Philippians have excelled in this area of discipleship. He concludes with a statement of wish (or prayer) that God will bless the Philippians as richly as they have blessed Paul.  In truth, this is a theme that is often found in the New Testament; the idea that God will richly bless those who are themselves a blessing.  Jesus Himself told us that as we care for the least of these, we care for Him.  (Matthew 25:37-40)