Philippians 4:15-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:14-18

The circumstances of their liberality. The apostle guards against any appearance of slighting their gifts by specifying the grounds of his joy in them. I. THEIR LIBERALITY WAS NOT MERE ALMSGIVING , BUT AN ACT OF CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY . "Ye did well in communicating with my affliction." They were ready to share the burden of his troubles. There were no converts nearer to the heart of the apostle or more closely identified with his deepest trials. II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:14-19

Almsgiving a part of Christian life and worship. I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE who GIVE AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE ALMS IS ONE OF COMMUNION . ( Philippians 4:15 .) It is a mistake to suppose that the benefit of almsgiving is all on the side of the recipients. They who possess, possess in order that they may show their brotherhood with those who possess not. To receive is just as much an act of brotherhood as to give. Never regard the bestowing of alms as an act... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:14-20

The sympathy of the Philippians with St. Paul. I. THEIR GIFTS . 1 . They had fellowship with him in his affliction. They made it their own; they showed the reality of their sympathy by their gifts. They were themselves in a great trial of afflictions, in deep poverty. They did not make their afflictions or their poverty an excuse for not aiding the apostle; they assisted him again and again. They did well, he says. Christian sympathy is a beautiful thing; it sweetens the cup of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia . He reminds them delicately of their former liberality to show his love for them; he was not unwilling to receive kindnesses from them. He had always refused to accept contributions from the Corinthians; but the bonds which bound him to the Macedonian Churches were closer and tenderer. In the beginning of the gospel ; when he first preached in Macedonia, ten years ago. The words, "when I... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. This shows the promptness of their generosity; they not only helped him when he departed from Macedonia; but, before that time, while he was still at Thessalonica, the city which he visited next after leaving Philippi, they sent more than once to supply his needs; Comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8 , where St. Paul says that he avoided being chargeable to the Thessalonians; for which purpose he labored with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:15

In the beginning of the gospel - “At the time when I first preached the gospel to you; or when the gospel began its benign influence on your hearts.”When I departed from Macedonia - See Acts 17:14. The last place that Paul visited in Macedonia, at that time, was Berea. There a tumult was excited by the Jews, and it was necessary for him to go away. He left Macedonia to go to Athens; and left it in haste, amidst scenes of persecution, and when he needed sympathizing aid. At that time, as well as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica; - see the notes, Acts 17:1. Paul remained there long enough to establish a flourishing church. He met, indeed, with much opposition and persecution there; and, hence, it was necessary that his wants should be supplied by others. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philippians 4:15-19

Philippians 4:15-19. Ye know that in the beginning of the gospel When it was first preached at Philippi; no church No Christian society, as such; communicated with me In the matter of giving me money, and of my receiving money from them; but ye only I received money from no church but yours. Not because I desire a gift, &c. I would not have you think that I commend your liberality merely out of respect to myself; but I desire fruit, &c. I do it chiefly out of respect... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

Thanks for the Philippians’ gifts (4:10-23)The Philippians thought constantly of Paul’s needs, but were not able to send anything to him in his imprisonment until now. Paul’s joy at receiving this gift is not because he has a greedy desire for money, because he has long ago learnt to be satisfied with whatever he has. His contentment comes not through money or possessions, but through the assurance that Christ enables him to meet every situation (10-13).Paul repeats that his pleasure is not... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philippians 4:15

ye , &c. = ye also, O Philippians, know. from. App-104 . no . Greek. oudeis. church . App-186 . communicated , Greek. koinomeo . See Romans 12:13 . as concerning = for ( App-104 ) taking account ( App-121 .) giving. Greek. dosis . Only here, and James 1:17 . receiving . Greek. lepsis . Only here, but = except Greek. ei me read more

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