Joyful thanks for a gift of love
Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As generous as their gifts to him were, however, Paul reminds the Philippians that the truly important thing about any gift is not the gift itself but the heart of the giver. Above all, it was because they had given their gift in the right spirit that Paul was overjoyed. The Philippians enjoyed a blessed giving and receiving relationship with the apostle Paul. He had given them the gospel, and they had gladly received it. They, on their part, had shown their gratitude for the gospel by providing the apostle with material gifts that the Lord used to support and sustain him in his ministry. On their side of the giving and receiving ledger stood a clear and beautiful testimony to their generosity. Paul knew that the Lord would graciously reward that generosity, as he always does, even though believers don’t give for the sake of a reward (see Proverbs 11:17; Malachi 3:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 6:38).
As for himself, Paul says, his needs have been amply supplied. He rejoiced because he recognized the Philippians’ generosity as a fruit of their faith. The Lord was also pleased with their gifts. He regarded them like the sweetsmelling incense offered to him by the Old Testament believers. Our gifts also are like sweet-smelling offerings to the Lord if—but only if—they are given out of hearts filled with genuine faith and love for him.
Just as they have so generously given to supply his needs, Paul assures the Philippians that God, who used their generosity to bless him, would in turn bless them by satisfying all their needs. He will do it “according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Those who are his children in Christ Jesus are the special objects of God’s providence and loving care. They have the promise that he will never leave them or forsake them. He will supply their needs, not simply out of his glorious riches, as a millionaire throws coins to a beggar, but richly and daily in accord with the all-surpassing riches of the one to whom the whole universe belongs.
Reflecting on all of the things for which he himself can thank the Lord, as well as on the blessings and the care that the Lord bestows on all his children, Paul breaks forth in a final song of praise, glorifying God. To this great God, who in Christ Jesus is the believers’ Father in a special way, the apostle ascribes adoration and praise. He calls for all believers to join him in a constant, never-ending song of praise. And his solemn “Amen” underscores the truth that this song of praise is a spontaneous expression of a heart redeemed by grace.