Support through Sharing—Philippians 4:14-16

OVERVIEW Philippians 4:14–19 English Standard Version (ESV)

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Paul, in the above passage teachers and testifies about supporting one another as we do Kingdom work. He highlights three areas—Sharing, Seeking, and Supplying.

PART ONE: SHARING —vv. 14–16 (ESV)

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.”

Paul was thankful for financial support from the Philippian church. They supported him from the beginning of his ministry with them and after he moved on. Now, they are supporting him while he is in prison in Rome.

Today, we can FedEx supplies and send money by Western Union almost anywhere in the world. In Paul’s day, such things were delivered in-person by messenger. Months could go by without hearing from anyone or receiving anything.

Along with Philippi, Paul started and worked with numerous churches in Macedonia and Greece, during his early missionary work. However, he observes in writing, that Philippi was the only one that supported him.

We surmise that somehow someone took it upon themselves to start something toward supporting Paul and getting that support to him. We have an example of the Corinthian church gathering money for the poor in Jerusalem and sending it by way of two or three believers of good reputation. (2 Corinthians 8:10-9:15)

Sharing is an important part of being part of Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth. Do you agree?

In the comment section below you might encourage others with how you take steps for sharing in the work of the ministry to others.

—John Parker—Merced, California