Philippians 4:14

14 Nevertheless ye have done well, communing to my tribulation.

Philippians 4:14 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 4:14

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 well in communicating to him; for communicating to poor saints or ministers is a considerable branch of well doing; it is a good work when it is done in faith, and from love, and with a view to the glory, honour, and interest of Christ; it is what is agreeable to the will of God, and is an odour of a sweet smell, and acceptable to him:

that ye did communicate with my affliction;
by which is meant, not any affliction of mind, for he was in as comfortable a frame, had as clear views of his interest in God, as his covenant God, and was as contented and satisfied as ever he was in his life; nor any disorder or distemper of body; but he was in prison and penury: these Philippians communicated with him in it, both by sympathizing with him in his tribulation, and by sending their minister to visit him, and with him a present for his relief and support; in doing which they did well.

Philippians 4:14 In-Context

12 And I know also how to be lowed, I know also how to have plenty. Every where and in all things I am taught to be filled, and to hunger, and to abound, and to suffer need. [+I know and how to be lowed/bowed, or meeked, I know and how to abound, or have plenty. Every where and in all things I am ordained, either taught, and I know how to be full-filled, and to hunger, and to abound, and to suffer mis-ease.]

13 I may all things in him that comforteth me.

14 Nevertheless ye have done well, communing to my tribulation.

15 For ye, Philippians, know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no church communed with me in reason of thing given and taken, but ye alone.

16 Which sent to Thessalonica once and twice also into use to me. [For and to Thessalonica ye sent once and twice into use to me.]