Philippians 4:15-16
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What's striking here is Paul’s framing of the Philippians' generosity not just as giving, but as a reciprocal "giving and receiving." He’s using a business metaphor, suggesting they entered into a partnership with him, balancing spiritual "giving" from him with their material "receiving," demonstrating a unique and faithful commitment from the very start of the gospel in their region. This highlights their consistent, active participation in the ministry's work, not just as recipients, but as vital partners.
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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reflecting on the Philippians' faithful support of him, reminding them that their generosity isn't new. Even when he first left Macedonia to spread the gospel elsewhere, facing hardship and lacking help from other churches, they were the only ones who partnered with him financially. This sets the stage for him to express gratitude for their continued, though delayed, support in his current needs.
Paul highlights a special financial relationship he had with the Philippian church. What does this 'giving and receiving' actually mean, and why was it so significant?
Paul uses a business metaphor to describe the financial support he received from the Philippian church. He speaks of 'giving and receiving' (eis logon doseos kai lempseos), which can be understood like opening an account.
Paul emphasizes that the Philippians were the only church that supported him financially at the very beginning of his ministry in Europe. Why is this 'first' and 'only' so important?
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Paul's statement in Philippians 4:15 is a powerful commendation of the Philippian believers. He singles them out as unique for their generosity from the very start of the gospel's spread in Macedonia:
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
Refers to the 'good news' of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the message of the incarnation, death, resurrection, and lordship of Christ, which is the foundational proclamation of the Christian faith.
koinōnia · Greek Noun
The Greek word 'koinōnia' denotes a deep fellowship, participation, or joint contribution. It implies an intimate sharing of life, resources, or mission among believers, highlighting the bond of the body of Christ.
chreia · Greek Noun
To send aid or support, often financial, to alleviate another's lack. In a biblical context, it implies communal responsibility and participation in another’s ministry.
Paul's reminder to the Philippians highlights their unique and early partnership in supporting the gospel ministry, even when other churches did not, emphasizing their profound generosity and faithfulness.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey to Macedonia
Paul and his companions establish the church in Philippi after a vision. This marks the beginning of the gospel's influence in the region.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul Departs Macedonia
After facing persecution in Thessalonica and Berea, Paul leaves Macedonia for Athens and Corinth, a time when he likely relied on financial support.
c. AD 50-51
Paul in Corinth
While in Corinth, Paul receives financial aid from Macedonia, specifically from the Philippian church, as no other church had partnered with him in this way.
c. AD 53-55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes from Ephesus, reflecting on his ministry. He mentions receiving support from the Macedonian churches, likely including the Philippians, when he was in need.
c. AD 60-62
Letter to the Philippians Written
Paul writes this letter from Rome while imprisoned. He reminds the Philippians of their consistent and unique support, even from the very beginning of the gospel in Macedonia.
This passage directly supports the idea that Paul received financial support from other churches during his ministry, specifically mentioning receiving supplies from the church in Macedonia when he was in Corinth, aligning with the historical context of Philippians 4:15.
1 Corinthians 9:11Paul draws a parallel between the spiritual 'sowing' of the gospel and the material 'reaping' of support, which echoes the 'giving and receiving' metaphor used in Philippians 4:15 and explains the basis of the mutual relationship between ministers and churches.
Acts 16:14-15This account of Lydia's conversion in Philippi shows the immediate openness and potential generosity of the Philippian believers from the very beginning of the gospel in their region, providing a foundation for their later support of Paul.
1 Timothy 5:17-18This passage discusses the principle of elders and ministers being worthy of their wages, highlighting the expectation of financial support for those who labor in the gospel, which underscores the significance of the Philippians' contribution.
vincentPhilippians 4:15: "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."
When I departed from MacedoniaOn his first European circuit, going by way of Athens to Corinth, where he was joined by Silvanus and Timothy, bringing a contribution from Macedonia. Acts 18:5; 2 Corinthians 11:9.
gillPhilippians 4:15: "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."
Now ye Philippians know also,.... As well as the apostle did, that they not only communicated now, but also had done formerly, and when none else beside them did; wherefore he not only commends them for their present kindness to him, but for their past favours: that in the beginning of the Gospel; o…
What's striking here is Paul’s framing of the Philippians' generosity not just as giving, but as a reciprocal "giving and receiving." He’s using a business metaphor, suggesting they entered into a partnership with him, balancing spiritual "giving" from him with their material "receiving," demonstrating a unique and faithful commitment from the very start of the gospel in their region. This highlights their consistent, active participation in the ministry's work, not just as recipients, but as vital partners.
Paul is reflecting on the Philippians' faithful support of him, reminding them that their generosity isn't new. Even when he first left Macedonia to spread the gospel elsewhere, facing hardship and lacking help from other churches, they were the only ones who partnered with him financially. This sets the stage for him to express gratitude for their continued, though delayed, support in his current needs.
Paul is reflecting on the Philippians' faithful support of him, reminding them that their generosity isn't new. Even when he first left Macedonia to spread the gospel elsewhere, facing hardship and lacking help from other churches, they were the only ones who partnered with him financially. This sets the stage for him to express gratitude for their continued, though delayed, support in his current needs.
"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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once an…" — What's striking here is Paul’s framing of the Philippians' generosity not just as giving, but as a reciprocal "giving and receiving." He’s using a business metaphor, suggesting they entered into a pa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
