Philippians 4:15

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Philippians 4:15 reveals a heartfelt acknowledgement from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, highlighting their unique and consistent financial support for his missionary endeavors. This verse underscores the deep bond and partnership that existed between Paul and the Philippian believers.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of Paul's letter to the Philippians, often called a "prison epistle," where he expresses profound gratitude for their recent gift, which had reached him through Epaphroditus (Philippians 4:18). Paul is not merely thanking them for this one gift but reminding them of their long-standing generosity, which began "in the beginning of the gospel." This phrase refers to Paul's initial missionary journey into Europe, specifically after he left Philippi and the wider region of Macedonia. Historical accounts in the Book of Acts, such as Acts 16:40 and Acts 17:14, confirm his movements from Macedonia to Achaia (southern Greece).

Key Themes

  • Unique Partnership: The Philippian church stood alone in their financial support for Paul during his early ministry travels. This highlights their exceptional commitment and distinguishes them from other churches Paul had ministered to at that time.
  • Generosity and Support for Ministry: The phrase "communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving" refers to a financial partnership. The Philippians provided monetary aid, enabling Paul to continue his work of preaching the gospel without being a burden to new converts, while they, in turn, received spiritual blessings from his ministry. This mutual exchange is a beautiful example of cheerful giving.
  • Paul's Gratitude: Paul's acknowledgment here is not a demand for more support but a profound expression of appreciation, reinforcing the special relationship he shared with them. It demonstrates the value of genuine partnership in spreading the Christian message.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving" is koinōneō eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs. The term koinōneō (from which we get "koinonia") means to have fellowship, share, or participate. Here, it specifically denotes a financial partnership. The "giving and receiving" (doseōs kai lēmpseōs) highlights the two-way nature of this relationship: they gave financial support, and Paul received it, but implicitly, they also "received" spiritual benefits and credit for their partnership in the gospel's advance.

Practical Application

Philippians 4:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry and the spread of the gospel. It teaches us about:

  • Faithful Stewardship: The Philippians demonstrated exemplary stewardship of their resources by investing in Paul's ministry. Their actions encourage believers today to consider how they can financially support missions and spiritual work.
  • Partnership in the Gospel: This verse illustrates that spreading the gospel is a collective effort. Not everyone is called to be a missionary like Paul, but many can be vital partners through their giving, enabling others to go. This echoes the broader theme of partnership in the gospel seen throughout the letter.
  • The Value of Gratitude: Paul's sincere thanks provides a model for acknowledging and appreciating the generosity of others, fostering stronger relationships within the Christian community.

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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.
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