Philippians 4:15

KJV

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} ye {G5210} Philippians {G5374} know {G1492} also {G2532}, that {G3754} in {G1722} the beginning {G746} of the gospel {G2098}, when {G3753} I departed {G1831} from {G575} Macedonia {G3109}, no {G3762} church {G1577} communicated with {G2841} me {G3427} as {G1519} concerning {G3056} giving {G1394} and {G2532} receiving {G3028}, but {G1508} ye {G5210} only {G3441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the early days of my work spreading the Good News, when I left Macedonia, not a single congregation shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving — only you.

Berean Standard Bible

And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving.

American Standard Version

And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 4:15, the Apostle Paul expresses profound gratitude to the church in Philippi, acknowledging their unique and consistent financial partnership in his missionary endeavors from the very outset of his gospel ministry in Macedonia. This verse highlights the deep, reciprocal bond of fellowship and support that distinguished the Philippian believers from all other churches during that crucial early period of gospel expansion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a letter characterized by joy, partnership, and gratitude, written while Paul was imprisoned. Having just exhorted them to rejoice, practice moderation, and cast their anxieties on God (Philippians 4:4-7), Paul transitions to a personal expression of thanks for their recent financial gift, delivered by Epaphroditus (Philippians 4:18). Verse 15 serves as a historical anchor for this gratitude, reminding the Philippians that their generosity was not a new phenomenon but a long-standing commitment that began "in the beginning of the gospel," setting them apart as uniquely supportive partners in his ministry. This historical recollection reinforces the depth of their relationship and the legitimacy of Paul's appreciation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's mention of "the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia" refers to his second missionary journey, specifically his departure from the region of Macedonia, which included Philippi, and his subsequent travels to Achaia (southern Greece). The narrative in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Ministry in Philippi") details Paul's initial ministry in Philippi, where Lydia and the jailer were converted, and his subsequent departure from the city (Acts 16:40). He then traveled through Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, and Berea, eventually sailing to Athens and then Corinth (Acts 17:1-15). During this period, Paul often supported himself through tent-making to avoid being a burden to new converts (1 Corinthians 9:18, 2 Thessalonians 3:8). The Philippians' consistent financial support was therefore exceptional, demonstrating their deep commitment to the gospel and their unique understanding of partnership in ministry, especially given the socio-economic realities of the early church where such sustained, long-distance support was rare.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 4:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. Foremost is the theme of **Partnership in the Gospel**, which Paul introduces early in the letter, thanking them for their "fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now" ([Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel")). This verse specifically defines that partnership in terms of financial support, highlighting their unique role. Another prominent theme is **Generosity and Sacrificial Giving**, as the Philippians' willingness to give, even when other churches did not, underscores a spirit of selflessness and dedication to the advance of God's kingdom. Paul views this giving not as a debt owed but as an investment in the gospel, yielding spiritual fruit for the givers ([Philippians 4:17](/philippians/4-17 "Philippians 4:17 - Fruit of Giving")). Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Paul's Apostolic Integrity**, as he consistently refused support from other churches to maintain his independence and prevent accusations of greed, making the Philippians' unique and trusted support all the more meaningful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense, as used here, carries the implication of "to know" or "to be aware." Paul is not merely stating a fact but appealing to their shared memory and understanding. He is reminding them of something they already possess as a settled knowledge, reinforcing the historical truth of their unique partnership.
* **Communicated with (Greek, _koinōnéō'_):** Derived from _koinōnos_ (partner, sharer), this verb signifies "to share with others," "to have fellowship," or "to participate." While it can denote general fellowship, here it specifically refers to a financial partnership. The Philippians "shared" with Paul in the specific realm of "giving and receiving," indicating a mutual transaction and a deep, active participation in his ministry through material support. It highlights a reciprocal relationship, not just a one-way donation.
* **Giving (Greek, _dósis'_):** This noun, stemming from the verb "to give," refers to the act of giving or, concretely, a gift. In this context, it clearly denotes the financial contributions made by the Philippian church to Paul. It emphasizes their active role in providing the necessary resources for his missionary work, underscoring their tangible expression of support.
* **Receiving (Greek, _lēmpsis'_):** This noun, derived from the verb "to take" or "to receive," refers to the act of receipt. Paired with "giving," it forms a commercial or transactional phrase, "account of giving and receiving." While Paul was the recipient of their financial gifts, the phrase also implies that the Philippians "received" spiritual blessings, partnership credit, or a share in the gospel's fruit as a result of their giving. This mutual exchange transcends mere financial transaction, pointing to a spiritual economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now ye Philippians know also,"**: Paul begins with an appeal to their shared knowledge, using "Now" (G1161, _dé_) as a transitional particle, indicating a shift to a point of shared understanding. He is reminding them of an established fact, suggesting that this unique relationship is a matter of common recognition between them.
* **"that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia,"**: This clause sets the historical timeline for their unique partnership. "The beginning of the gospel" refers to the earliest phase of Paul's ministry in Europe, specifically after he established the church in Philippi and then moved on from the region of Macedonia. This precise temporal marker emphasizes the long-standing and foundational nature of their support.
* **"no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving,"**: This is the core assertion of the verse, highlighting the Philippians' distinctiveness. The phrase "communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving" (Greek: _koinōneō eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs_) is a financial idiom, essentially meaning "no church entered into an account of debit and credit with me" or "no church partnered with me financially." This emphasizes that their material support was unique among all the churches Paul had encountered or ministered to in that initial period.
* **"but ye only."**: This concluding phrase powerfully underscores the exclusivity of the Philippians' partnership. It is a strong affirmation of their singular commitment and generosity, setting them apart as the sole church that provided consistent financial backing to Paul during this critical phase of his missionary outreach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through repetition and stark contrast. Paul repeatedly highlights the Philippians' unique support, first by stating that "no church communicated with me" and then immediately following with the emphatic "but ye only." This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, drawing the reader's attention to the exceptional nature of their generosity. There is also an element of **Understatement** in Paul's phrasing; by simply stating "giving and receiving," he subtly alludes to the depth of their financial commitment without explicitly detailing the amounts, allowing the Philippians to understand the full weight of his gratitude based on their shared history. Furthermore, the phrase "beginning of the gospel" serves as a **Temporal Marker**, grounding the spiritual partnership in a specific historical moment, adding weight and authenticity to Paul's commendation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 4:15 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of partnership in ministry, where the material support of believers enables the spiritual work of evangelism and discipleship. It underscores that the spread of the gospel is a corporate endeavor, requiring both those who "go" and those who "send" and "support." This mutual exchange, described as "giving and receiving," transcends a mere financial transaction; it represents a spiritual fellowship where both parties participate in the fruit of the gospel. The Philippians' unique commitment exemplifies a deep understanding of stewardship and a profound love for Christ's mission, demonstrating that true spiritual partnership often involves tangible, sacrificial support.

* [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 Material and Spiritual Blessings")
* [1 Corinthians 9:11](/1_corinthians/9-11 "1 Corinthians 9:11 - Sowing Spiritual Things, Reaping Material Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 4:15 serves as a timeless testament to the power of faithful partnership in advancing God's kingdom. It challenges believers today to consider their role in supporting those who are on the front lines of ministry, whether locally or globally. The Philippians' generosity was not a one-time event but a consistent, long-standing commitment that began "in the beginning of the gospel." This calls us to cultivate a spirit of sustained giving, recognizing that our material resources can be instrumental in enabling the proclamation of the good news. Furthermore, Paul's sincere gratitude models for us the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of others within the body of Christ. It reminds us that every act of giving, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to a larger spiritual economy, fostering deep fellowship and mutual blessing between givers and receivers, and ultimately glorifying God through the spread of His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I actively partner with those spreading the gospel, beyond just financial contributions?**
* **How does the Philippians' consistent, long-term support challenge my own patterns of giving and engagement in ministry?**
* **What does "giving and receiving" mean in the context of my own spiritual life and my support of others?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for those who support ministry, and how can I express that appreciation effectively?**

### FAQ

**What does "communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase, _koinōneō eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs_ in Greek, is an idiom referring to a financial partnership or account. It literally means "to have fellowship/share in an account of giving and receiving." Paul is stating that the Philippian church was the only one that entered into a financial arrangement with him, providing him with monetary support for his ministry, while implicitly also "receiving" spiritual benefits or a share in the gospel's fruit through their partnership. It signifies a mutual exchange of material and spiritual blessings.

**Why was the Philippian church unique in their support of Paul?**

Answer: The Philippian church was unique because, during Paul's initial missionary journey after leaving Macedonia, they were the only church that consistently provided him with financial support. Paul often chose to support himself through manual labor (e.g., tent-making, as mentioned in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking in Corinth")) to avoid being a burden to new converts or giving any occasion for false accusations against his ministry ([2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Refusal of Support")). The Philippians, however, understood the importance of supporting his work and demonstrated exceptional generosity and trust, establishing a deep and unique bond with the apostle that continued throughout his ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Philippians 4:15 speaks directly to the unique partnership between Paul and the Philippian church, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate pattern of divine giving and receiving demonstrated in Jesus Christ. Just as the Philippians gave their material resources to enable the spread of the gospel, Christ Himself is the supreme example of giving: He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), giving His very life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ established the ultimate "account of giving and receiving," where He gave His righteousness and life, and we, by faith, receive forgiveness, eternal life, and adoption into God's family ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ")). Our giving, whether of finances, time, or talent, becomes an act of worship that mirrors Christ's self-giving love, enabling His redemptive work to continue through His body, the church, until the knowledge of His glory covers the earth as the waters cover the sea ([Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of the Lord's Glory")).

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

Philippians 1:5

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service.

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Acts 16:40

And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.