Philippians Chapter 4 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
Οἴδατε
know
G1492
Οἴδατε
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φιλιππήσιοι
Philippians
G5374
Φιλιππήσιοι
Philippians
Strong's:
G5374
Word #:
5 of 27
a philippesian (philippian), i.e., native of philippi
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀρχῇ
the beginning
G746
ἀρχῇ
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
8 of 27
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
οὐδεμία
no
G3762
οὐδεμία
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
15 of 27
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐκκλησία
church
G1577
ἐκκλησία
church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
17 of 27
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ἐκοινώνησεν
communicated with
G2841
ἐκοινώνησεν
communicated with
Strong's:
G2841
Word #:
18 of 27
to share with others (objectively or subjectively)
εἰς
as
G1519
εἰς
as
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
λόγον
concerning
G3056
λόγον
concerning
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
20 of 27
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
When Paul left Philippi (Acts 17:1), he went to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth. Philippi sent support multiple times (v. 16). Most churches didn't support Paul financially; he often worked tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor 9:12-18). Corinth particularly failed to support him, causing tension (2 Cor 11:7-12). Philippi's consistent generosity distinguished them. Paul's refusal of some churches' support related to avoiding appearance of greed (1 Thess 2:5-9); he accepted Philippian gifts because their motives were pure.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Paul accept Philippian support but refuse it from other churches (e.g., Corinth)?
- What does exclusive, long-standing partnership ('from the beginning') teach about faithful giving?
- How can churches today embody Philippi's 'giving and receiving' (doseōs kai lēmpseōs) partnership?
Analysis & Commentary
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 (Οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς, Φιλιππήσιοι, ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας, οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι, Oidate de kai hymeis, Philippēsioi, hoti en archē tou euangeliou, hote exēlthon apo Makedonias, oudemia moi ekklēsia ekoinōnēsen eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs ei mē hymeis monoi)—En archē tou euangeliou ("in beginning of the gospel")—Paul's Macedonian mission (Acts 16-17, c. AD 49-50). Oudemia...ekklēsia ekoinōnēsen ("no church shared")—only Philippi partnered. Eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs ("in the matter of giving and receiving")—accounting language, commercial partnership. Ei mē hymeis monoi ("except you alone")—exclusive partnership. This verse begins historical review (vv. 15-16) establishing Philippi's unique, long-standing support. Their faithfulness from 'beginning' validates relationship.