STUDYING THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS #15
Phil. 4:14-23
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
I. Phil. 4:14
A. In verses 14-19, Paul commends the Philippian church for
supporting him, both recently and many years earlier, when he
left Philippi and went to Thessalonica.
1. In 19-23, he gives his closing salutations.
B. "Nevertheless" - This makes a contrast between Paul's state of
contentment (as stated in 4:11-13) and the fact that their
support was beneficial both to him and them.
C. "Shared in my distress" - The Greek word "koinonia"
(fellowship, sharing) is used in both verses 14 and 15.
1. The Philippians had fellowship with Paul's affliction by
sending aid (money, supplies) to him, and by sending
Epaphroditus to assist him.
2. They had "done well" in having fellowship with the apostle.
a. As he said in verse 17, it is "fruit that abounds to your
account."
II. Phil. 4:15-16
A. "The beginning of the gospel" no doubt refers to when Paul
first preached in Philippi as recorded in Acts 16:9-40.
B. "No church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but
you only."
1. There are many ways in which brethren have "fellowship";
thus, he defines the type to which he is referring.
C. These verses reveal much about the pattern for churches
supporting evangelists in the preaching of the gospel.
1. Remember, this epistle is not just a nice exhortation letter
that can be taken or left. 1 Cor. 14:37
2. Please notice the word "church" in these verses. These
verses, along with others, show that the local churches were
independent functioning units. (See chart on "Collective
Actions of the Local Church" below.)
a. Each congregation had its own organization (elders and
deacons), work, and responsibility.
b. The local church becomes the only unit or organization
ordained by God through which Christians function as a
group.
3. Notice, too, that the funds were sent directly to the
preacher in the field.
a. They did not send support to another church or society
which in turn (after keeping a portion for operating
expenses) sent the funds on to Paul.
D. "For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my
necessities."
1. In this action, the church was unique at that time.
2. At a latter time, they were probably included in that which
is mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:8-9.
3. All of their giving had been done in spite of the fact they
were in poverty themselves. 2 Cor. 8:1-4
a. "The district of Macedonia had suffered three civil wars,
and had been reduced to such poverty that Tiberius
Caesar, harkening to their petition, had lightened their
taxes. But in addition to this general poverty, the
churches had been made poor by persecution."
(Commentary on 2 Corinthians, by J.W. McGravery, p.
210).
III. Phil. 4:17-19
A. Instead of seeking a gift from them, he sought the fruit that
abounded to their account.
1. By their support of Paul, they were laying up treasures in
heaven and building a good foundation against the time to
come.
B. The support from the Philippians must have been generous and
substantial because Paul writes that he now had more than
enough.
1. Epaphoditus was the one who had become very sick while
traveling from Philippi to Rome to bring the Philippian
church's aid to Paul. Phil. 2:25-30
C. "A sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing
to God."
1. The expression "sweet-smelling aroma" is often used of
animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. Gen. 8:21; Lev.
26:31; 1:9,13,17
2. Thus, giving to the Lord's cause, is one of the "spiritual"
sacrifices we can render to God under the New Testament
system. 1 Pet. 2:5
D. "And my God shall supply all your need."
1. This is one of those verses which assures us that God will
supply all our needs.
2. God will supply our needs "according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus."
a. God owns everything and His glory fills the whole earth.
Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; Isa. 6:3
b. Thus, we can rejoice in His ability to abundantly supply
all our needs.
c. When we give as we have been prospered, God will
abundantly bless us. 2 Cor. 8:6-11
IV. Phil. 4:20-23
A. Paul often closes his epistles with such doxologies. The word
"doxology" is from two Greek words, and literally means "A
word of glory" or "An expression of glory."
1. This doxology seems to be derived from the wonderful
thought that God will supply all our needs.
2. "Forever and ever" is literally, "unto the ages of the
ages."
a. This is an expression often used in the Scriptures to
describe eternity.
B. Paul nearly always closed his epistles with salutations and
greetings.
1. "In Christ" may go either with "saint" or with "greet."
2. There is a great blessing in knowing and greeting fellow
Christians.
a. We are commanded to "love the brotherhood" in 1 Pet.
2:17.
C. Except for Timothy (Phil. 2:19), we do not know of any others
who were with Paul at this time.
1. At a latter time, everyone forsook him, except Luke. 2 Tim.
4:10-11
2. At his first defense before Nero, no one stood with him
except the Lord. 2 Tim. 4:16
D. All the brethren in Rome sent their greetings along with Paul.
1. The reference to the saints in "Caesar's household" thrills
our hearts.
a. This probably refers to not the imperial family, but to
employees of Caesar's household - slaves, cooks, and
guards. Phil. 1:13
b. However, it is possible that some of Caesar's own
family had been converted to the Lord.
c. There are Christians today in countries such as China,
and Iran. Many people are now being converted in what
were once Communist countries.
d. These saints live in difficult surroundings and need our
prayers.
E. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
1. Some ancient manuscripts, instead of "with you all," have
"with your spirit."
2. No greater blessings can be wished on anyone. We all need
the favor of Christ.
Concl.
A. Through the years, the church at Philippi continued to support
Paul in his work of preaching.
1. Let us do out best, as a congregation of the Lord, to aid
and support those who faithfully preach the gospel.
B. Paul closed his epistle by wishing the grace of the Lord upon
the Philippian brethren.
1. May the grace of the Lord be upon us as well.
2. May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and establish us so
that we can some day live with Him forever.
3. To Him be the glory both now and forever.
Chart:
Collective Actions of the Local Church
1. Chooses officers and servants - Acts 6:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:10; Rom.
16:1-2
2. Has messengers - 2 Cor. 8:23
3. Pays wages - 2 Cor. 11:8-9; Phil. 4:14-18
4. Relieves and enrolls - 1 Tim. 5:9-10,16
5. Hears and speaks - Matt. 18:17
6. Disciplines - 1 Cor. 5:4-5
7. Greets in letters - 1 Cor. 16:19
8. Sends out preachers - Acts 11:22
9. Is reported to - Acts 14:26-27
10. Has worship - 1 Cor. 11:20, 34
11. Has its own treasury - 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:8-9