Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 4:14
What does Philippians 4:14 mean?
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Philippians 4:14
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Paul emphasizes that their generosity wasn't just a nice gesture, but a profound act of solidarity that literally "shared in" his suffering. This wasn't about Paul needing their money; it was about their love tangibly lessening his hardship and proving he wasn't forgotten.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has just expressed profound contentment with his circumstances, whether rich or poor, all through Christ's strength. He wants to assure the Philippians that his joy isn't dependent on their gift, but he immediately follows up by affirming that their act of sending him support was a genuinely good thing. Their generosity in sharing his hardship proved their loving care and partnered with him in his suffering.
Paul just talked about being content in all circumstances. So why does he immediately praise the Philippians for helping him? Is he contradicting himself?
Paul is incredibly humble! After stating he's learned to be content whether he has a lot or a little, he wants to make sure the Philippians don't think he's dismissing their generous gift.
Guarding Their Hearts
He uses the word "Notwithstanding" (or "Yet") to show that even though he's content, their act of kindness was still valuable. He doesn't want them to feel like their gift was unnecessary or that he didn't appreciate it. He's tender toward their feelings and their generosity.
Acknowledging True Partnership
Paul sees their support not just as a donation, but as a true partnership in his suffering. Their gift was a tangible expression of their care and a way for them to share in his hardship.
What does it really mean to 'communicate with' someone's affliction? It's more than just feeling sorry for them.
The original Greek word Paul uses here paints a beautiful picture. It means to 'share in' or 'have fellowship with' something.
More Than Sympathy
When the Philippians sent their gift, they weren't just offering sympathy from afar. They were actively participating in Paul's struggle.
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The Philippian believers' generosity, even in their own hardship, deeply moved Paul. His words highlight that their gift wasn't just financial aid, but a tangible expression of shared suffering and love.
c. AD 49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul establishes churches in cities like Philippi, laying the foundation for his close relationship with the believers there.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Philippian Church
Paul, Silas, and Timothy preach the Gospel in Philippi, leading to the conversion of Lydia and the establishment of the first church in Europe. This church would become known for its generous spirit.
c. AD 52-56— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Although specific details of Paul's confinement in Rome are not fully known, it is generally understood that he was under house arrest, able to receive visitors and continue his ministry.
c. AD 56-57
The Philippian Collection
The church at Philippi, despite their own poverty, gathered a financial gift for Paul. They sent this gift to him in Rome, entrusting it to Epaphroditus, their messenger.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Philippians
From his Roman imprisonment, Paul writes this letter of thanks and encouragement to the Philippian church, addressing the specific gift they sent.
This passage beautifully illustrates the generous spirit of the Macedonian churches, similar to the Philippians, whose deep poverty overflowed in riches of liberality, showing that giving from the heart is a divine grace.
Acts 20:35Paul echoes the sentiment that giving is a blessed act, highlighting the reciprocal joy in generosity when the Philippians' gift brought him relief, fulfilling this principle.
Hebrews 13:16This verse reinforces the idea that acts of kindness and sharing, like the Philippians' support for Paul, are sacrifices that please God, showing that their gift was more than just financial aid.
Proverbs 19:6This proverb speaks to the value of giving gifts to gain favor, suggesting that the Philippians' generosity was a wise and appreciated act that strengthened their bond with Paul.
vincentPhilippians 4:14: "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction."
NotwithstandingLest, in declaring his independence of human aid, he should seem to disparage the Philippians' gift.
gillPhilippians 4:14: "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction."
Notwithstanding ye have well done,.... This he says lest they should think he slighted their kindness, and lest they should be discouraged from doing any such thing of this kind another time, either to himself or others; for though he was so well contented with his state, and knew how to be abased and to suffer need, and could do all things through the strength of Christ, yet he observes they did…
Paul emphasizes that their generosity wasn't just a nice gesture, but a profound act of solidarity that literally "shared in" his suffering. This wasn't about Paul needing their money; it was about their love tangibly lessening his hardship and proving he wasn't forgotten.
Paul has just expressed profound contentment with his circumstances, whether rich or poor, all through Christ's strength. He wants to assure the Philippians that his joy isn't dependent on their gift, but he immediately follows up by affirming that their act of sending him support was a genuinely good thing. Their generosity in sharing his hardship proved their loving care and partnered with him in his suffering.
Paul has just expressed profound contentment with his circumstances, whether rich or poor, all through Christ's strength. He wants to assure the Philippians that his joy isn't dependent on their gift, but he immediately follows up by affirming that their act of sending him support was a genuinely good thing. Their generosity in sharing his hardship proved their loving care and partnered with him in his suffering.
"Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble." — Paul emphasizes that their generosity wasn't just a nice gesture, but a profound act of solidarity that literally "shared in" his suffering. This wasn't about Paul needing their money; it was about t…
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Last reviewed October 2026