When an army goes to war, its survival and success in battle depend on a lifeline of supplies. Likewise, missionaries who go forth to preach the gospel of salvation need prayer and ongoing financial support to meet their expenses.
Even though the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13) in the closing verses of his letter to the Philippian church, he made a special effort to express his thankfulness and praise to the believers who stood with him. Paul rejoiced because the Philippians financially supported him to preach the gospel, playing a major part in his ministry. Thus, in the closing verses of his letter, Paul again expressed his deep appreciation.
Paul’s Appreciation
Whatever Paul’s state—poverty or prosperity—Christ sustained him with the strength he needed (vv. 11–13; cf. 16–20; 2 Cor. 12:10). Still, the apostle joyfully remembered what the Philippians had done since he began his ministry. Yet, Paul felt that he needed to further explain his comments so the Philippians would not misunderstand him or think him ungrateful for their recent gift to him.
Paul wrote, “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress” (Phil. 4:14). The word nevertheless connects with Paul’s previous teaching (vv. 10–13). Although he had learned the secret of contentment—whether in poverty or prosperity—he wanted the Philippians to understand he did not take lightly their generous gift. In fact, he commended them for having “done well” in his “distress,” or affliction (v. 14). The Philippian believers showed Paul more compassion, support, and encouragement, which he greatly treasured, during his afflictions than other churches.
Paul’s Attachment
Paul wrote, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only” (v. 15).
The word now indicates a change of subject, as Paul transitioned to a review of his first experience in Philippi and the church’s generous financial support. He reminded the believers that they knew all the facts by personal experience about his first visit to Philippi (Acts 16:12–31). They also understood his decision to preach the gospel in other areas of Macedonia after leaving Philippi.
The Philippian church had given Paul financial gifts since he first presented the gospel to them, and he was grateful for their participation (Phil. 1:5). Only the Philippians shared in Paul’s financial support during his Macedonia ministry. Even when he ministered in Thessalonica, the Philippian church sent Paul aid for his “necessities” (4:16). The phrase once and again indicates that the believers gave him gifts twice during his short ministry visit to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1).
Paul’s Announcement
Clarifying his position on the Philippians’ gifts, Paul wrote, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Phil. 4:17).
Paul wanted the believers to know that he deeply appreciated their gifts but did not desire that they send him more at that time. He taught the believers that in giving for the ministry (whether to him or others), they were building treasures in heaven, earning great dividends on their investment (Mt. 6:20).
Paul called the generous gift the Philippians sent him through Epaphroditus “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18), a reminder of Old Testament sacrifices offered to God upon the altar (Lev. 1:9, 13, 17; Num. 15:3). Likewise, the New Testament calls believers to offer sacrifices to God, but not to cover sin, which Christ our Savior removed by His once-and-for-all sacrifice (Heb. 10:12).
Believers are expected to offer three sacrifices:
1. The sacrifice of our person. Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).
2. The sacrifice of our praise. The writer of Hebrews described this “sacrifice of praise to God” as “the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15).
3. The sacrifice of our possessions. Believers are called to support those in the Lord’s work, “for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (v. 16).
Paul’s Assurance
With great confidence, Paul reminded the Philippian Christians the extent to which God is able to meet the needs of all believers: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
Most Christians know this verse well, but many misinterpret it. Some believe God must provide them with whatever they want if they give to His work. But God never promised to capitulate to Christians’ every selfish desire, whim, or want.
God created all things; so, naturally, He can supply all things. His resources are unlimited because He possesses heaven and Earth. His provision encompasses both material and spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).
God’s generous giving moved Paul to break forth in praise: “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Phil. 4:20).
From the word glory (Greek, doxa) comes the English word doxology. Often Christians use the word glory in worship and conversation, but its meaning is sometimes vague. Glory simply means God is the object of all honor and praise. God is not some far-off Being; He is believers’ loving, compassionate heavenly Father, who deserves all honor and praise.
Paul’s Affection
Paul ended his epistle with words of affection for the Philippians: “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you” (v. 21).
Notice, Paul asked the Philippians to “greet every saint” in the church. This phrase shows Paul’s concern, care, and affection for every individual in the church. The word saint refers to any person who is born again by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, unlike the teaching of the Catholic Church, which formally recognizes or canonizes certain individuals as saints worthy of special veneration and prayer after their deaths.
Paul also stated, “The brethren who are with me greet you” (v. 21). These brethren included Timothy (1:1; 2:19), Epaphroditus (v. 25; 4:18), and Tychicus, those who were in Rome during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.
Paul then mentioned, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household” (v. 22). There has been much conjecture about the identity of those of Caesar’s household.
Philippi was a Roman colony (Acts 16:12), meaning many in the church were Roman citizens. Thus, some of the Philippians may have known people associated with Caesar’s household, whether they were slaves, part of the praetorian guard within the household, or even family members.
During his imprisonment in Rome, Paul could have come in contact with many from Caesar’s household. Though Paul did not explain who these believers were or how they were connected to Caesar’s household, Christians can rejoice that some of them heard and believed the gospel.
Philippians 4:22 provides strong evidence that Paul wrote this epistle from Rome. Thus, it was in God’s plan for Paul to be in Rome and encounter people associated with Caesar who were believers in Christ. Since “all roads led to Rome” in that day, their faith opened the door for the gospel to spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Paul closed this epistle in the same manner he began it— with a benediction: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Phil. 4:23). Paul concluded all his epistles by wishing all his recipients would experience God’s grace. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, freely given to all believers in Christ. God’s grace was more than sufficient to meet every need in the lives of Paul (2 Cor. 12:9), the Philippians, and all believers.
Everything Christians have and enjoy can be summed up in Jesus’ life provided through God’s grace. Thus, in closing our study of this epistle, I can do no better than to say, dear reader, that I hope you will rejoice in all you have learned through Paul’s pen, provided through God’s marvelous, eternal grace.
