Philippians 4:15-23

15: You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;

16: for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
17: Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 
18: But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19: And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20: Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

21: Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22: All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

*** 

Paul continued discussing the gift the Philippians sent him, saying that no-one else contributed to him or “shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving” except them. This was what he wrote to the Corinthians about in 2 Corinthians 11:9. The Philippians came from Macedonia and fully supported Paul while Paul kept himself from being a burden to the Corinthians. The Philippians also gave to him more than once while he was in Thessalonica.

Whether the Philippians were grateful for Paul’s message of salvation, felt a sense of obligation to take care of his needs, or were simply generous, they acted on their sincere desire to contribute to his needs. Paul was determined to preach the gospel no matter what. He was not looking for their support. He didn’t preach the gospel so people would give to him. Yet, he was thankful and looked for their profit for their generosity. Yet, their reward wouldn't come from him, for he was unable to repay them with earthly goods, but the reward would come from God. He is the One who would supply all of their needs according to His riches, not Paul’s.

Paul called their gift a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. This was a comparison to the sweet-smelling incense which was burnt along with the sacrifices under the Law. Even before that, when Noah offered burnt offerings to God after coming out of the ark, the Lord smelled the “soothing aroma” and vowed to never again curse the ground on account of man (Genesis 8:21). Prayers or praise are described as a rising memorial to God in other Scripture (Acts 10:4, Revelation 8:3-4, Hebrews 13:15), and even Jesus’ sacrifice is called “an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2).

The Philippians’ gifts to Paul were really offerings to God. Paul acknowledged that. God also sees and appreciates these gifts offered to Him and He will respond to them. Paul ended by giving glory to Him, calling Him our God and Father, and sent greetings to and from the saints. He sent the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with their spirits.

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