Philippians 4:15 kjv
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.
Philippians 4:15 nkjv
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.
Philippians 4:15 niv
Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
Philippians 4:15 esv
And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Philippians 4:15 nlt
As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this.
Philippians 4 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 4:16 | For even in Thessalonica you sent me support once and again... | Partnership in giving |
| 2 Cor 11:9 | When I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone... | Self-sufficiency, but reliant on God's provision and brethren |
| 2 Cor 11:8 | I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you. | Self-sacrifice and partnership |
| Acts 20:34 | You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities... | Example of Paul's labor |
| 1 Tim 5:18 | The laborer deserves his wages. | Support for ministers |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things... | Sharing resources |
| 1 Cor 9:11 | If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap... | Reciprocity in ministry |
| Rom 15:27 | For they were pleased to do so, and indeed they owe it to them. | Obligation to support |
| 1 Cor 1:16 | ... | Unity in the church |
| Acts 16:10 | ... | Divine guidance to Philippi |
| Phil 1:5 | ...for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. | The "koinonia" aspect |
| Phil 1:7 | ... | Shared experience with Paul |
| Phil 2:25 | I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother... | Sending support |
| Phil 4:17 | Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases... | Focus on spiritual fruit |
| Phil 4:14 | Yet it was kind of you to share in my troubles. | Shared hardship |
| Matt 10:40 | Whoever receives you receives me... | Receiving God's messengers |
| Matt 25:35-40 | ...for I was hungry and you gave me food... | Ministry to the needy |
| Acts 4:32-35 | ...no one claimed that anything belonging to him was his own... | Communal sharing |
| 1 Tim 6:17-19 | ... | Stewardship and generosity |
| Titus 3:14 | And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds... | Practical good works |
Philippians 4 verses
Philippians 4 15 Meaning
The believers in Philippi joyfully gave financial support to Paul's ministry not just once, but repeatedly, demonstrating a shared partnership in the gospel.
Philippians 4 15 Context
Paul is writing to the church at Philippi from prison, likely in Rome. He is expressing profound gratitude for their consistent and generous support of his ministry. This particular verse highlights that their assistance was not a one-time event, but a recurring action that significantly enabled his work, particularly during his travels and preaching engagements. The Philippian believers understood the concept of "koinonia," or partnership, in the gospel, which extended beyond shared belief to shared resources and labor.
Philippians 4 15 Word Analysis
- even (kai) - and, also, even
- Emphasizes the continuity and multiple instances of their support.
- in (en) - in, on, at, by, with
- Indicates the context or location of their sending.
- Thessalonica (Thessalonikē) - city in Macedonia, to which Paul preached and planted a church.
- Shows a geographical and historical record of their past support.
- you (hymeis) - you (plural)
- Addresses the collective body of believers in Philippi.
- sent (apesteilate) - you sent (aorist active indicative of apostellō)
- A completed action in the past.
- me (eme) - me
- Refers to the apostle Paul.
- support (ephapax) - once for all, at one time
- While the word can mean "once for all," in the context of "again" (paz) it shifts to "one time" or "once." It signifies the first instance or a significant initial act of their financial aid.
- and (kai) - and, also, even
- Connects the initial act with subsequent actions.
- again (paz) - again
- Highlights the repeated nature of their generosity.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "even in Thessalonica you sent me support once": This phrase pinpoints a specific historical occasion in Thessalonica where the Philippian church provided financial aid to Paul. It establishes a precedent for their generosity towards him.
- "and again": This concluding phrase reinforces that the support mentioned was not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of consistent giving.
Philippians 4 15 Bonus Section
The act of sending financial support, particularly "once and again," was a significant aspect of Christian ministry in the early church. It allowed ministers like Paul to focus on preaching and teaching without being unduly burdened by the need for self-support. This reciprocal relationship between those who received spiritual instruction and those who provided it was considered a biblical principle, echoing Old Testament teachings about supporting Levites and prophets. The Philippians' consistent giving exemplified a deep affection and shared purpose with Paul, reflecting the unity and interdependence within the body of Christ. It also shows that their faith was not just in word but also in action (1 John 3:18).
Philippians 4 15 Commentary
The Philippian church demonstrated a mature understanding of Christian partnership, extending their fellowship with Paul into tangible, material support. Their giving to Paul in Thessalonica, and then again, underscores a shared commitment to the furtherance of the gospel. This was not mere charity, but an investment in the work of God, recognizing that the laborers deserve support. Paul doesn't frame this as a personal gain, but as a spiritual fruit that benefits God's kingdom and solidifies the bond of their shared mission. Their willingness to share in his necessities was an expression of their shared "koinonia" in the gospel.