Php_4:10-18. Thanks for the Gifts. The Philippians had sent assistance to Paul several times. They had begun when he was at Thessalonica, sending there twice. Now Epaphroditus has been bringing a more recent contribution. Paul delights in this because it is a fruit of Christian grace in the good people who send it. He regards it as a fragrant sacrifice to God. As for himself, he has no anxiety about such matters because he has learnt how to have abundance and how to suffer want. He is independent in regard to both extremes, being able to endure everything that happens through the one who strengthens him, meaning either God or Christ (Christ is not in the best MSS).
Philippians 4:10-18
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
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.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all,b and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.