Philippians 4:10-20
Summary for Phil 4:10-20: 4:10-20 a In closing, Paul thanks the Philippians for the gift they had sent him by the hand of Epaphroditus. 4:10 b Why they didn’t have the chance to help him earlier is not clear.Summary for Phil 4:11-12: 4:11-12 c As a slave of Christ, Paul has learned to be content with every situation, whether he had plenty or little. His life was filled with the joy that comes from doing the will of God whatever the cost.
4:13 d through Christ: With Christ’s help, Paul had the strength to do everything. In everything, especially while enduring suffering, Paul relied on the strength of Christ, who lived in him and worked through him (see 2 Cor 1:8-10 e; 4:7-12 f; 12:8-10 g; Gal 2:20 h; Col 1:27 i).
4:14 j The Philippians’ generosity and care were commendable, especially given Paul’s present difficulty in prison.
4:15 k the only ones who gave me financial help: By contrast, Paul determined not to accept financial help from the Corinthians because it would have damaged the reputation of the Good News in their eyes (1 Cor 9:11-18 l; 2 Cor 11:7-12 m). He did not face such a problem with the Philippians.
• when I first brought you the Good News: See Acts 16:11-40 n.
4:16 o After leaving Philippi (4:15 p) Paul had gone to Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-8 q; cp. 1 Thes 2:1-14 r).
4:17 s I don’t say this because I want a gift from you: Paul preferred to support himself (see Acts 18:3 t; 1 Cor 4:12 u; 9:3-18 v; 2 Cor 11:7-11 w; 12:14-15 x).
• The reward would be a blessing from God.
4:18 y Epaphroditus (see also 2:25-30 z) had carried the gifts from Philippi.
• Their gifts were a sweet-smelling sacrifice: In the Old Testament, acceptable offerings were a pleasant fragrance to God (see Lev 1:9 aa, 13 ab, 17 ac; 2:2 ad, 9 ae; 3:5 af, 16 ag; cp. Rom 12:1 ah; Eph 5:2 ai).
4:20 aj Having reflected on God’s glorious blessings, Paul concludes appropriately with an expression of praise to God.
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