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Philippians 4:18

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Philippians 4:18

Verse 18 of 23

Scripture focus

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Philippians 4:18

Theological / Devotional

I have. The Greek verb may be rendered, “I have to the full” (see on Matt. 6:2).

Abound. See on v. 12.

I am full. Rather, “I am filled,” with Paul’s drought turned toward those whose kindness made this statement true.

Epaphroditus. See on ch. 2:25.

Odour of a sweet smell. Similar expressions in the OT were used to describe the acceptable sacrifices that were offered to the Lord (see Gen. 8:21; Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). Here Paul is applying the metaphor to the gifts received from Philippi. Compare on Eph. 5:2.

Sacrifice. See on ch. 2:17. Here “sacrifice” further describes the gifts given through Epaphroditus. These presents were a free-will offering, in grateful love to God and man (cf. Heb. 13:16). To do good to others out of a heart of love is to bring to God an acceptable sacrifice.

Wellpleasing. Gr. euarestos, the word translated “acceptable” in Rom. 12:1.

By SdaBc