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“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”—Philippians 4:17–18 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING Reiterating that this isn’t an indictment of other churches, nor an appeal for aid, the apostle Paul states that what he “diligently seeks” (epizētō) is for the fruit (karpon) of their generosity [...]

“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”—Philippians 4:15–16 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING Here, when Paul mentions the beginning of the gospel, he is specifically referring to the birth of the church in Philippi and their sister churches in Macedonia. The time period the apostle is referencing [...]

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”—Philippians 4:13–14 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING This commonly quoted verse is actually more accurately phrased: “Through Christ, I have strength in all things.” In context, the verse isn’t referring to being able to do all things. Instead, the apostle Paul is stating that he is able to endure or bear anything that has come—and will come—his way through the strength Christ [...]

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”—Philippians 4:11–12 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING Today’s passage presents to us a very interesting and difficult quality to master: contentment. It’s an age-old struggle for mankind, one [...]

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”—Philippians 4:10 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING For some, it’s not easy to receive financial help, especially from friends. Often, pride takes over and accepting a handout or financial gift brings about a sense of embarrassment, possibly even deep shame and inferiority. This also has the tendency to make the situation awkward for the giver, as [...]

“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”—Philippians 4:9 (NKJV) VERSE MEANING Prassete: To do, perform, accomplish, put into practice; to commit to doing; the active process in performing (accomplishing) a deed, and implying what is done as a regular practice—i.e. a routine or habit. Continuing his wrap-up on how to stand fast in the Lord, here the apostle Paul gives the Philippians the [...]