Philippians 4:15-19 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ye know that in the beginning of the gospel When it was first preached at Philippi; no church No Christian society, as such; communicated with me In the matter of giving me money, and of my receiving money from them; but ye only I received money from no church but yours. Not because I desire a gift, &c. I would not have you think that I commend your liberality merely out of respect to myself; but I desire fruit, &c. I do it chiefly out of respect to you; that you may do that which may turn to your everlasting advantage. But l have all So also the Vulgate reads the clause; but the original expression, απεχω παντα, according to Estius, may be translated, I have from you all things; that is, my wants are amply supplied by you; and I abound I have more than sufficient for my present state; having received of Epaphroditus the things sent from you Besides money, the Philippians may have sent to the apostle clothes and other necessaries: an odour of a sweet smell A service wherewith God is well pleased. See Hebrews 13:16. “The same epithets were anciently given to all the kinds of sacrifices; not only in the peace and thank-offerings, but to the burnt-offerings and sin-offerings. See note on Ephesians 5:2. Here they are given to the present which the Philippians sent to the apostle; not because that present partook of the nature of any sacrifice or offering whatever, as is plain from this, that it was offered immediately to the apostle, and not to God; but merely to show how acceptable to God that work of charity was which the Philippians had performed to the suffering apostle of Christ.” Macknight. But my God Whose ambassador I am; shall supply all your need As he has mine. He shall recompense you even in this life, as far as he knows will be for your good; according to his riches in glory And he is well able to do it, being gloriously rich in blessings of all kinds.