“Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my
affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel,
when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning
giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and
again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that
may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having
received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a
sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Philippians
4:14-18).
Introduction
This study continues with the same theme of
financial assistance for those in the ministry or experiencing problems due to
hardship. Here the apostle Paul expresses his joy because of the Philippian
church’s faithful support of his work. Their support did not come cheaply, for
they had their own hardships to contend with, therefore they were truly
sacrificial in their giving. The Lord gave Paul the strength to continue in his
ministry, but it was not accomplished without the faithful support of other
believers.
Sharing
The Philippian fellowship was committed to
assisting those who were engaged in spreading the gospel throughout the world.
They were one of the few churches that gave consistently and, as it seems,
beyond the normal tithe. We know that they had sent gifts to Paul while he was
on his missionary trips to Thessalonica (Acts 17). The gifts that the apostle
received, not only supplied his needs, but also encouraged him with the
knowledge that he was not forgotten in his afflictions. Here is a church that
made a difference both in Paul’s mission and the spiritual lives of those they
would never meet on this side of eternity. Let us never underestimate what God
can do with a missionary-minded church.
Sacrifice
They “communicated” with Paul, which means, as
the Greek word ‘koinoneo’ implies, they ‘shared’ what they had with him.
The word ‘fellowship’ is derived from ‘koinonia’ and is used to reveal
that the early church willingly shared their possessions with others. “And
all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their
possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need”
(Acts 2:44-45). There
is no English word that can adequately describe ‘koinonia’, but it is best
defined as ‘communion
by intimate participation’, and partly explains the Philippian’s approach to
giving.
Paul
did not need to coerce them into giving to his ministry. He offered them no
incentives. He did not send them little pieces of stone from his prison cell if
they sent a hundred denarii or more. “I have coveted no man's silver, or
gold, or apparel” (Acts 20:33). They gave because the Holy Spirit prompted
them to and beside this, they wanted to support Paul. “Therefore I thought
it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and
make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same
might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I
say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in
his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a
cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:5-7).
Spirit
“And
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He
hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth
for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which
causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service
not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they
glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for
your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for
you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto
God for his unspeakable gift”
(2 Corinthians 9:8-15).
We
see from the above text that God blesses those who give to others in the right
spirit. When we give to those who are in need, we not only bless them, but we
are blessed in the giving too. “I have shewed you all things, how that so
labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts
20:35). Note: We have no written record of Jesus saying this, but it must be
presumed that Paul was quoting from a saying that did not reach the canon of
Scripture. Also, we must keep in mind the fact that not every thing Jesus said
and said was recorded (John 21:25). Therefore this is likely to be an oral
saying passed on to Paul by one of the disciples. It was not the gift but the
spirit that it was given in that delighted Paul.
Savour
Paul
says that the gift that was sent to him by the hands of Epaphroditus was like
sweet smelling perfume that deodorised his dank prison cell. Though the offering
was for him, he said that it was truly like an acceptable sacrifice to God.
Maybe he was referring to the ‘thank offerings’ of Leviticus 7:12-15. Though
Gentile Christians were under no obligation to offer the sacrifices of the Old
Testament, they were well acquainted with the customs and traditions of the
Jews. This was a spiritual sacrifice that God was well-pleased with, and He
would reward them bountifully. Those who do not give will never have enough, but
those who give out of a pure heart, rather than expecting a reward, will receive
all that God has for them.
Conclusion
