Philippians 4:17

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 4:17

Not because I desire a gift ,.... This commendation of them he entered into, not because he desired another present to be made to him, either by them or others; he was not a man of such a disposition, he was not like one of those that could never have enough; he was fully satisfied and highly contented with what he had; he was not like the false teachers, that made merchandise of men; he sought not theirs, but them: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account ; he had planted... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:17

Not because I desire a gift - I do not speak thus to incite you to send me a farther gift; I speak this on the general subject, because I wish you to bear such fruit as shall abound to your account in the day of the Lord. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:17

Verse 17 17.Not that I demand a gift. Again he repels an unfavourable opinion that might be formed of immoderate cupidity, that they might not suppose that it was an indirect hint, (252) as if they ought singly to stand in the room of all, (253) and as if he abused their kindness. He accordingly declares, that he consulted not so much his own advantage as theirs. “While I receive from you,” says he, “there is proportionably much advantage that redounds to yourselves; for there are just so many... 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

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