Philippians 4:14

KJV

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding {G4133} ye have well {G2573} done {G4160}, that ye did communicate with {G4790} my {G3450} affliction {G2347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my trouble.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.

American Standard Version

Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 4:14 captures the Apostle Paul's heartfelt commendation and gratitude to the Philippian believers for their practical and compassionate support during his time of hardship. Despite his declaration of contentment in all circumstances, Paul acknowledges their generous financial contribution not as a personal necessity, but as a demonstration of their genuine partnership in the gospel and their profound solidarity with his suffering, an act he deems "well done" in the sight of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Philippians, specifically [Philippians 4:10-20](/philippians/4-10-20 "Philippians 4:10-20 - Paul's Gratitude for Support"). Having previously exhorted them to unity, joy, and peace in Christ, Paul now shifts to express profound thanks for their material support. This expression of gratitude is framed not as a personal plea for more, but as an affirmation of their continued partnership in the gospel, a theme introduced early in the letter (e.g., [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel")). Paul balances his appreciation with a powerful statement of self-sufficiency in Christ (e.g., [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment in Christ")), ensuring that his thanks is perceived as genuine commendation for their act of love rather than an indication of his dependence on their gifts for his personal well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Philippians while likely imprisoned, possibly in Rome or Ephesus. His "affliction" (Greek: _thlîpsis_) refers to the various pressures, persecutions, and physical hardships he endured for the sake of the gospel, including his current imprisonment. The Philippian church, founded during Paul's second missionary journey (as recounted in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Ministry in Philippi")), had a unique and consistently supportive relationship with Paul. Unlike some other churches, they had repeatedly sent him financial aid, even when he was in Thessalonica ([Philippians 4:16](/philippians/4-16 "Philippians 4:16 - Philippians' Early Support")) and now during his imprisonment. This act of sending aid to an imprisoned apostle was not only a significant financial undertaking for a relatively young church but also potentially risky, identifying them with a controversial figure. Their actions demonstrated a deep commitment to Paul and his mission, transcending mere charity to embody true fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 4:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Generosity and Partnership in the Gospel**. The Philippians' giving is presented as an active participation in Paul's ministry, making them co-laborers in the spread of the Good News, even from afar. Secondly, it highlights **Mutual Support within the Body of Christ**. Paul's commendation validates the biblical principle that believers are called to bear one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens")) and to share in both the joys and sufferings of fellow members. Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces Paul's **Apostolic Integrity and Humility**. Despite his profound spiritual insights and divine calling, Paul was not above receiving practical help, and he expressed genuine, heartfelt gratitude for it, demonstrating a humility that valued the tangible expressions of love from the churches he served.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **well (Greek, _kalōs'_):** An adverb meaning "well" or "rightly," often with a moral connotation. In this context, it signifies that the Philippians' action was not just effective, but morally and spiritually commendable in God's eyes. It was an act done in a good and honorable manner, reflecting their Christian character and love.
* **communicate with (Greek, _synkoinōnéō'_):** Derived from _syn_ (with) and _koinōnéō_ (to share, participate). This verb means "to share in company with," "to be a co-partaker of," or "to have fellowship with." It goes beyond mere financial transaction, implying a deep solidarity and active participation in Paul's circumstances. The Philippians didn't just give money; they entered into his experience, sharing in his burden.
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From a root meaning "to press" or "to crush," this noun denotes pressure, tribulation, distress, or persecution. It encompasses the various hardships, trials, and sufferings Paul endured, particularly his imprisonment. By "communicating with" his affliction, the Philippians shared in the very real difficulties and pressures that Paul faced for the sake of the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding ye have well done":** This phrase serves as a gracious commendation from Paul. The "notwithstanding" (Greek: _plḗn_) indicates that despite his previous assertion of contentment and self-sufficiency (e.g., [Philippians 4:11](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11 - Paul's Contentment")), he still deeply values and praises their actions. Their giving was not a necessity for him, but it was nevertheless a righteous and commendable act on their part, demonstrating their spiritual maturity and love.
* **"that ye did communicate with my affliction":** This clause specifies the nature of their commendable action. The Philippians actively "shared in" or "had fellowship with" Paul's suffering. This "communication" was not merely sympathetic words but a tangible, practical sharing in his distress, likely through their financial gift. Their support meant they were not detached observers but active participants in the burdens of his ministry and imprisonment, embodying true Christian solidarity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Commendation**, as Paul explicitly praises the Philippians' actions as "well done." This direct affirmation serves to encourage them and validate their sacrificial giving. There is also a strong sense of **Solidarity** conveyed through the phrase "communicate with my affliction." This powerful imagery suggests a deep, empathetic connection where the Philippians are not just spectators but active participants in Paul's suffering, bearing his burdens alongside him. Finally, the verse is imbued with genuine **Gratitude**, as Paul's words, though carefully framed by his contentment, clearly express a profound appreciation for their thoughtful and timely support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 4:14 profoundly illustrates the New Testament ideal of Christian fellowship and mutual support within the body of Christ. It demonstrates that genuine partnership in the gospel extends beyond shared beliefs and spiritual goals to include practical, material sharing in the burdens and needs of fellow believers, especially those engaged in ministry. This act of giving is not merely charity but a spiritual act of communion, reflecting the self-giving nature of Christ and strengthening the bonds of love that unite believers. It underscores that while God provides for His servants, He often does so through the loving generosity of His people, making their giving an integral part of His divine provision and a testament to their faith.

* [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches")
* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Sharing Spiritual and Material Blessings")
* [Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 4:14 challenges contemporary believers to consider the depth of their partnership in the gospel. It moves beyond a superficial understanding of support to a call for genuine solidarity with those who labor for the Kingdom, especially in times of difficulty. Our "well doing" is not just about giving financially, but about truly "communicating with" the afflictions of others—entering into their burdens through prayer, practical help, and empathetic presence. This verse encourages us to view our resources, time, and empathy as tools for active fellowship, strengthening the hands of those on the front lines of ministry and demonstrating the tangible love of Christ to a watching world. It reminds us that our acts of generosity are not merely transactions, but expressions of a shared life in Christ, bringing glory to God and fostering deeper unity within His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "communicate with the affliction" of others in my church or community?**
* **How does my giving reflect a true partnership in the gospel, rather than just a charitable donation?**
* **What specific "afflictions" are those involved in ministry facing today, and how can I genuinely share in their burdens?**

### FAQ

**Does Paul's statement in Philippians 4:14 contradict his earlier assertion of contentment in Philippians 4:11-13?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict it; rather, it complements it. In [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment in All Circumstances"), Paul declares his personal contentment and self-sufficiency in Christ, emphasizing that he has learned to thrive in both abundance and scarcity. This declaration prevents the Philippians from thinking he is dependent on their gifts for his spiritual or emotional well-being. However, in [Philippians 4:14](/philippians/4-14 "Philippians 4:14 - Paul's Gratitude to the Philippians"), he commends them for their act of giving, calling it "well done." This shows that while he personally did not *need* their gift to maintain his contentment, their act of giving was still a righteous and commendable expression of their love, partnership, and obedience to God. It was good for *them* to give, and it was a blessing to Paul, even if not a necessity for his spiritual state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 4:14, though a commendation of human generosity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Christ. The Philippians' act of "communicating with" Paul's affliction mirrors the profound solidarity of Christ, who, though rich, became poor for our sakes, that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Self-Giving")). Jesus did not merely sympathize with humanity's affliction; He fully entered into it, bearing our sins and sorrows on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ's Suffering for Us")). The Philippians' willingness to share in Paul's suffering reflects the call for believers to imitate Christ's self-sacrificial love, embodying the unity of the body where if one part suffers, all suffer with it ([1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - The Unity of the Body of Christ")). Their "well done" act points to the greater "well done" that Christ Himself will pronounce upon those who have shown practical love to "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")), recognizing that such acts are done unto Him. Thus, the Philippians' generosity is not just a human virtue but a Christ-like expression of fellowship, empowered by His Spirit and reflecting His own compassionate solidarity with a suffering world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Philippians 1:7

¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

1 Kings 8:18

And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

Hebrews 10:34

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;