Philippians 4:17

17 ¹Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

Philippians 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 4:17

Not because I desire a gift
This commendation of them he entered into, not because he desired another present to be made to him, either by them or others; he was not a man of such a disposition, he was not like one of those that could never have enough; he was fully satisfied and highly contented with what he had; he was not like the false teachers, that made merchandise of men; he sought not theirs, but them:

but I desire fruit that may abound to your account;
he had planted them, or had been an instrument in planting of them, as trees of righteousness, ( Isaiah 61:3 ) ; and his great desire was to see fruits of righteousness grow upon them, ( Philippians 1:11 ) ; by which sometimes are meant acts of beneficence, as in ( 2 Corinthians 9:10 ) ; and that these might be abundant and turn to their profit and advantage, as such fruit does; for God does not forget to recompence acts of bounty, and labours of love, but if even a cup of cold water is given to a prophet or minister of Christ, on account of his being so, it shall have its reward in the issue of things, upon the casting up of accounts, ( Matthew 10:42 ) ; for the apostle still has reference unto that; his view was, that the balance might be on their side, and that much might be received by them; so that it was not for himself, but for their encouragement and future good, he said this; for as for himself he adds,

Philippians 4:17 In-Context

15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;

16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Corinthians 9:11; 2 Corinthians 9:5

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "fruit"