Partnership for the Gospel Mission
14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. 15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. (Philippians 4:14-17)
Yesterday, we saw how Paul found contentment through his relationship with Christ Jesus. From verses 14 to 20, Paul acknowledges the specifics of how the church at Philippi helped him throughout his ministry, as they were being used by God to provide for his needs. Starting with verse 14, although Paul was content in his situation, he still recognized that the Philippian church was providing for his needs in prison, “Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.” Remember that during this time, Paul was inside a prison cell, chained to a Roman soldier. In order to survive this environment, one would need to rely on the assistance of others outside the prison. That is why Epaphroditus being sent by the Philippians was a wonderful blessing, and Paul acknowledges this here.
Then, in verse 15, Paul acknowledges the past relationship of support. The church at Philippi were givers, even in Paul’s early days of ministry (see Acts 16:12-40). They financially partnered with him when no other church was doing this at the time. This extended beyond when Paul went to Thessalonica, seen in verse 16, how they continued to send support. Through their giving, Paul’s needs were met.
Finally, in verse 17, Paul reiterates, like previously in verses 10 and 11, that the motive behind his acknowledgment of their giving is not to receive more gifts, for he is content with what has been received. As Max Anders summarizes, “His letter was not a fund-raising attempt. He wanted them to realize that their deeds would not go unnoticed.” Paul states that “the profit that is increasing to your account,” meaning that their reward in heaven is increasing.
The church at Philippi were following the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The believers in Philippi were focused on the mission of the gospel to be spread. Although they may not had been able to have as many boots on the ground, they were able to support the efforts of believers such as Paul that went about sharing the gospel. Paul recognized their heart behind their gifts.
May we be like the church at Philippi, who are faithful to the gospel mission, sharing the gospel where we can, and supporting our fellow brothers and sisters on the mission field through our prayers and financial support. May we also be like Paul, recognizing the work of our fellow believers, encouraging them through our words of gratitude, praising God for His provision through faithful believers.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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