Phili 4:10, 14, 18 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 10. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly . The favour which Paul had received, and for which he felt so much gratitude, had been received of the Philippians; but he regarded "the Lord" as the source of it, and rejoiced in it as the expression of his kindness. The effect was to lead his heart with cheerfulness and joy up to God. That now at the last . After so long a time. The reason why he had not before received the favour, was not neglect or inattention on their part, but the difficulty of having communication with him. Your care of me hath flourished again . In the margin this is rendered, " is revived ," and this is the proper meaning of the Greek word. It is a word properly applicable to plants or flowers, meaning to grow green again; to flourish again; to spring up again. Here the meaning is, that they had been again prospered in their care of him, and to Paul it seemed as if their care had sprung up anew. Wherein ye were also careful . That is, they were desirous to render him assistance, and to minister to his wants. Paul adds this, lest they should think he was disposed to blame them for inattention. But ye lacked opportunity . Because there were no persons going to Rome from Philippi by whom they could send to him. The distance was considerable, and it is not probable that the intercourse between the two places was very constant. (1) "hath flourished" "is revived" (*) "lacked" "wanted" (h) "opportunity"

Philippians 4:10

Verse 10. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly. The favour which Paul had received, and for which he felt so much gratitude, had been received of the Philippians; but he regarded "the Lord" as the source of it, and rejoiced in it as the expression of his kindness. The effect was to lead his heart with cheerfulness and joy up to God.

That now at the last. After so long a time. The reason why he had not before received the favour, was not neglect or inattention on their part, but the difficulty of having communication with him.

Your care of me hath flourished again. In the margin this is rendered, "is revived," and this is the proper meaning of the Greek word. It is a word properly applicable to plants or flowers, meaning to grow green again; to flourish again; to spring up again. Here the meaning is, that they had been again prospered in their care of him, and to Paul it seemed as if their care had sprung up anew.

Wherein ye were also careful. That is, they were desirous to render him assistance, and to minister to his wants. Paul adds this, lest they should think he was disposed to blame them for inattention.

But ye lacked opportunity. Because there were no persons going to Rome from Philippi by whom they could send to him. The distance was considerable, and it is not probable that the intercourse between the two places was very constant.

(1) "hath flourished" "is revived" (*) "lacked" "wanted" (h) "opportunity" 2Cor 11:9

Philippians 4:14

Verse 14. Notwithstanding ye have well done. Though he had learned the grace of contentment, and though he knew that Christ could enable him to do all things, it was well for them to show sympathy for his sufferings; for it evinced a proper regard for a benefactor and an apostle.

Ye did communicate. You took part with my affliction. That is, you sympathized with me, and assisted me in bearing it. The relief which they had sent not only supplied his wants, but it sustained him by the certainty that he was not forgotten.

(+) "with my affliction" "Have jointly contributed to relieve"

Philippians 4:18

Verse 18. But I have all. Marg., "or, have received." The phrase here is equivalent to, "I have received everything. I have all I want, and desire no more." He was entirely satisfied. What they had sent to him is, of course, now unknown. It is sufficient to know that it was of such a nature as to make his situation comfortable.

I am full. I have enough. This is a strong expression, denoting that by nothing was lacking.

Having received of Epaphroditus. Php 2:25.

An odour of a sweet smell. This does not mean that it was such an odour to Paul, but to God. He regarded it as an offering which they had made to God himself; and he was persuaded that he would regard it as acceptable to him. They had doubtless made the offering, not merely from personal friendship for Paul, but because he was a minister of Christ, and from love to his cause; and Paul felt assured that this offering would be acceptable to him. Comp. Mt 10:41,42. The word "odour" refers, properly, to the pleasant fragrance produced in the temple by the burning of incense. Lk 1:9. On the meaning of the word rendered "a sweet smell" ευωδια-- 2Cor 2:15. The whole language here is taken from an act of worship; and the apostle regarded what he had received from the Philippians as, in fact, a thank-offering to God, and as presented with the spirit of true devotion to him. It was not, indeed, a formal act of worship; but it was acceptable to God as an expression of their regard for his cause.

A sacrifice acceptable. Acceptable to God. Heb 13:16. Rom 12:1.

Well-pleasing to God. Because it evinced a regard for true religion. Learn hence,

(1.) that kindness done to the ministers of the gospel is regarded as an acceptable offering to God.

(2.) That kindness to the servants of God in distress and want is as well-pleasing to God as direct acts of worship.

(3.) That such acts of benevolence are evidences of attachment to the cause of religion, and are proofs of genuine piety. Mt 10:42.

(1) "have all" "have received" (a) "sacrifice acceptable" Heb 13:16