John Calvin Commentary Philippians 4:18

"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 4:18 (ASV)

I have received all things, and abound. He declares in more explicit terms that he has what is sufficient, and honors their generosity with a remarkable testimony by saying that he has been filled. It was undoubtedly a moderate sum that they had sent, but he says that by means of that moderate sum he is filled to satisfaction.

It is, however, a more distinguished commendation that he bestows upon the gift in what follows, when he calls it a sacrifice acceptable, and presented as the odour of a good fragrance. For what better thing can be desired than that our acts of kindness should be sacred offerings, which God receives from our hands and takes pleasure in their sweet fragrance?

For the same reason Christ says, Whatsoever ye shall have done unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.

The comparison with sacrifices, however, adds much emphasis. This teaches us that the exercise of love God enjoins on us is not merely a benefit conferred on people, but is also a spiritual and sacred service performed to God, as we read in the Epistle to the Hebrews that he is well pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews 13:16).

Alas for our indolence! — which is evident in this: while God invites us with such kindness to the honor of priesthood, and even puts sacrifices in our hands, we nevertheless do not sacrifice to him. Those things which were set apart for sacred offerings, we not only use for profane purposes but wickedly squander them on the most vile corruptions.

For the altars on which sacrifices from our resources should be presented are the poor and the servants of Christ. Neglecting these, some squander their resources on every kind of luxury, others on indulgence of the palate, others on immodest clothing, and others on magnificent homes.