Philippians 4:15
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Philippians 4:15
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.
Chapter Context
Philippians 4 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, worship. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 4:15
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Gospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) G2098 - Good news, gospel
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Philippians 1:5