Philippians 4:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 4:10-19

In these verses we have the thankful grateful acknowledgment which the apostle makes of the kindness of the Philippians in sending him a present for his support, now that he was a prisoner at Rome. And here, I. He takes occasion to acknowledge their former kindnesses to him, and to make mention of them, Phil. 4:15, 16. Paul had a grateful spirit; for, though what his friends did for him was nothing in comparison of what he deserved from them and the obligations he had laid upon them, yet he... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 4:14-20

4:14-20 All the same, I am most grateful to you for your readiness to share the burden of my troubles. You too, know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the. gospel, when I left Macedonia, no Church entered into partnership with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, for in Thessalonica not merely once but twice you sent to help my need. It is not that I am looking for the gift; but I am looking for the fruit which increases to your credit. I have enough and more than... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica ,.... When the apostle was there; for from Philippi he went to Thessalonica; see Acts 17:1 , ye sent once and again unto my necessity ; for his use and service, to support him while he was at that place, and relieve and assist him in his necessities; for the people at Thessalonica were either not able to communicate, or were not of a beneficent disposition, or the apostle did not care to be chargeable to them; and they seem many of them to have been idle and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica - While labouring to plant the Church there, he was supported partly by working with his hands, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 ; and partly by the contributions sent him from Philippi. Even the Thessalonians had contributed little to his maintenance: this is not spoken to their credit. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-17

Man in model aspects. "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-20

Paul thanks the Philippians for their contribution. There is noticeable throughout mingled dignity and delicacy. He is careful on the one hand to maintain his independence, and on the other hand to show his sense of their kindness. I. THE REVIVED THOUGHT SHOWN IN THEIR CONTRIBUTION . "But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity." The occurrence was associated in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

The art of Divine contentment. The Philippians, having sent by Epaphroditus certain love-tokens to the apostle, must have a receipt from the magnanimous receiver. Most likely they were not of much intrinsic value, but Paul's great heart rejoices over them and calls them "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice well-pleasing unto God." At the same time, he lets them know that he could have been content without these love-tokens, though he is delighted with them; for he has learned the lesson... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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