Philippians Chapter 4

vs 12

An interesting thing to note about this is that Paul has lived in plenty, and he does not somehow disavow it or say that it is irresponsible to do so. He does intimate that there is a Christian way of living with plenty, and that he did so. The key to which seemed to be contentment in whatever situation you find yourself in.

vs 13

That is a pretty good attitude right there.

vs 14

Just because Paul has a good attitude and has come to learn how to be content, does not mean the Philippians, or anyone else, should neglect him. His attitude of contentment is correct, just as their attitude of generosity is correct.

vs 15

That must have been pretty hard on Paul. Whether, like the Corinthians, he didn't take money off the others becuase it would have stumbled them, or whether the other churches just didn't see a reason to give him anything, is unclear. But either way, Paul would have been self-funding his trips (perhaps Antioch helped out?), so it's great he learned to be content.

vs 16

Thessalonica is another church that Paul really loves and got along well with. He wrote them some really positive letters, but they don't really mention money one way or the other. So this might mean that Thessalonica did support Paul, but that didn't stop Philippi from doing it too, or just that he was really in dire need there, and the Philippians helped him out lots.

vs 17

Just so they don't think he's asking for more money - what he's seeking to do is make them look good, to encourage them about what they've done which is good. Of course, encouragement is possibly going to make them give more, although it could also make thems it on their laurels.

vs 18

Paul has been fully paid - remember that speakers were paid in that culture - and they've given him even more than he is worth. Paul also sees these gifts to him as an offering to God. Paul uses the language of the OT sacrifices, but I don't think we should take that too far. The OT sacrificial system was very different to the NT giving system, and while the idea of doing things with our money that are pleasing to God is great, let's not rope it too closely to sacrifices.

vs 19

Paul makes the same promise to the Corinthians, but this one sounds a lot more friendly - this time, the Philippians have actually given the money, so Paul is calling down the blessing for them - that their needs might be met, and met by Christ and his great riches. Amen.

vs 20

Amen.

vs 21

Typical greetingy stuff. No names mentioned.

vs 22

Those would be the prison guards, no doubt. Oh Paul, you are a card!

vs 23

Amen once more.

This is actually a kind of interesting ending. The grace be with"your spirit". We probably shouldn't read too much spiritually stuff into it. It's probably just a good Christian greeting.