Charles Spurgeon Commentary Philippians 4:16-18

"for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things [that came] from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God." — Philippians 4:16-18 (ASV)

For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

I do not suppose that they sent him very much; but he knew the love that prompted the gift, he understood what they meant by it. I always imagined that Lydia was the first to suggest that kind deed. She, the first convert of the Philippian church, thought of Paul, I do not doubt, and said to the other believers, "Let us take care of him as far as we can. See how he spends his whole life in the Master's service, and now he may at last die in prison for want of even common necessities; let us send him a present to Rome." How grateful is the apostle for that gift of love! What gladness they had put into his heart! Now he says: –