A Generous Offering To God
A GENEROUS OFFERING TO GOD
PHILIPPIANS 4:14-20
Do we really believe God will supply all our needs (but not our personal whims)?
From the account in Acts chapter 16 one might judge that the church in Philippi consisted of a few women, the Roman jailer and his family, and some few others. Such an initial impression is undoubtedly mistaken. The work had been sufficiently advanced to justify leaving Luke at Philippi to provide pastoral leadership to the young church. Continued hostility on the part of significant elements in the city failed to intimidate the believers. In the weeks which followed they twice contributed to the support of Paul and his companions in Thessalonica (4:15f.). When the apostle moved on to Corinth they sent aid to him again (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). While Paul commends all the churches of Macedonia for their eager support of the collection on behalf of the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, what he says of them to the Corinthians was true preeminently of the Christians at Philippi (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). Their generosity repeatedly refreshed Paul and sealed their participation in his labors for the gospel (4:15; see also 1:5). Paul can rejoice in their partnership with him precisely because a gift brings superabundant blessing to the giver (4:10,14-17,19).
Paul again introduces the language of accounting (“partnership … giving and receiving,” 4:15), as in 3:7. Now with respect to their latest contribution he exclaims, “I have received full payment, and more” (4:18). The words “I have received full payment” translate a single Greek term found hundreds of times on commercial papyri to indicate that an obligation has been met in full. The commercial language is quickly overshadowed, however, by the adoption of words referring to sacrifice. Paul has lifted up before God the gifts offered to him as a peace offering intended for the Lord. He recognized that the affection directed toward him was ultimately directed toward God. The acceptance of the offering will be verified in the gracious response of God, who will meet every need of the Christians in that same generous manner that Paul’s needs have always been met (4:19).
Paul has not once used the word “thanks” in expressing his thanksgiving. Rather he treats the gifts as something especially gratifying because they represent an offering well-pleasing to God. In spite of the restraint, Paul emerges as a man of affection who was able to win and hold the affection of others.