Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 4:10

"But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity." — Philippians 4:10 (ASV)

As Paul begins to conclude his letter, he voices his joy over the Philippians’ recent contribution to him. This is probably not his first note of thanks to them, for considerable time had elapsed since Epaphroditus had brought the gift and several contacts with the church at Philippi had already been made. Furthermore, it is doubtful that his expression of gratitude would have been left to the end of the letter. Paul retained a vivid memory of their generous act. “At last” should not be regarded as a rebuke, but merely as showing that communication had again occurred after a period of no contact. Paul makes it clear that the fault was not theirs but came from a lack of opportunity; perhaps no messenger had been available. In addition, the apostle’s own circumstances had been highly irregular in recent years, in part because of imprisonment and shipwreck. Now the demonstration of concern had bloomed again, like plants in the spring.