Philippians 4:18

18 And now I have it all - and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end.

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Philippians 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 4:18

But I have all things, and abound
Or "I have received all things", as the Syriac version renders it; all that they had sent by Epaphroditus; and for which he now gives a receipt; and by virtue of which he now abounded; and which abundance of his was not so much owing to the largeness of their presents, as to the peace of his mind; looking upon this gift of theirs, though it might be but small in itself, a fulness to him; for he adds,

I am full;
as much as he desired, he wanted no more, he had enough:

having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you:
and which he acknowledged, that the character of this good man might stand clear, who had been intrusted with this affair:

an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to
God,
this is said in allusion to the sacrifices under the former dispensation, in which God smelled a sweet savour, ( Genesis 8:21 ) , in reference to which, as the sacrifice of Christ is said to be of a sweet smelling savour, ( Ephesians 5:2 ) , and as the spiritual sacrifices of the saints, as praises and prayers, are called odours, ( Revelation 5:8 ) , and are said to be acceptable unto God, ( 1 Peter 2:5 ) ; so acts of beneficence are called sacrifices, with which he is well pleased, ( Hebrews 13:16 ) .

Philippians 4:18 In-Context

16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out - and not only once, but twice.
17 Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
18 And now I have it all - and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end.
19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
20 Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.