Saturday 11 October 2014
- Bible Book:
- Philippians
“I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (v.18)
Background
In this final section of his letter, Paul considered the issueof generosity. It is a difficult subject. While Paul was clear thathe did not seek any gifts from the Philippians (verse 17), he wasvery appreciative of their repeated generosity (verse 16). Not allchurches have acted in this way (verse 15) and the support of thePhilippians (who he unusually mentions by name) was a sign of theclose relationship that Paul has had with them for some time (verse15).
The language that Paul used is initially commercial in nature.The phrase "in the matter of giving and receiving" (v. 15) is aparticular example of this, with the Greek word translated as "thematter" being a technical phrase used for business transactionswhile the words translated "giving and receiving" refer tofinancial details noted on two sides of an accounts ledger.
However, for Paul, the generosity of the Philippians was farmore than a commercial transaction. It was, in spiritual terms, "afragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God". Byusing the language of sacrifice, Paul indicated that the gift ofthe Philippians was of great spiritual value with the image of the"fragrant offering" linking back to the sacrificial systemdescribed in the Old Testament (eg
The language used in these verses also links to the call on thefollowers of Jesus to offer themselves to God in a similar way. InRomans 12:1, Paul invited his readers to"present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable toGod, which is your spiritual worship".
Paul is clear that the gifts sent by the Philippians have beenof significant practical help, but he is equally clear that thesegifts are part of their spiritual discipleship and are also"acceptable and pleasing to God".
To Ponder
- How are you being challenged to live generously today?
- What might it mean for your living as well as for your givingto be a sacrifice "acceptable and pleasing to God"?