The Basics Of Giving

So in many ways, this letter is a kind of thank you note from the Apostle Paul.

Because of his financial hardships under house arrest in Rome, the Philippian believers have pooled their resources and sent a love offering, a gift, to sustain Paul and his needs there in Rome.

Epaphroditus was the courier that brought this gift to Paul, and now Epaphroditus is headed back home, back to Philippi, with this letter in hand, this letter to the Philippians that we know it as.

So in many ways, this is a kind of thank you note.

The only odd thing is that Paul never actually says thank you.

I don't know if you've picked up on that, but it's one of the oddest thank you notes ever, actually.

Listen to these excerpts here.

He finally talks about the gift that they've sent him at the end of chapter 4, but listen to these excerpts here.

In verse 10, he says, "'I rejoice in the Lord greatly that at length you have revived your concern for me.'" Verse 11, not that I'm speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Verse 17, not that I seek a gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Verse 18, I've received full payment.

It's an odd word for a gift.

In Greco-Roman culture, it was customary when you received a gift to exchange a gift back of equal value.

And Paul does not do that, does he? At least not apparently.

He doesn't send a gift, but in verse 19, he promises, my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory and glory.

in Christ Jesus now imagine if you were to write such a thank you note let's say me right I say dear grandma I'm delighted that you finally remembered me and sent me that sweater you've been knitting not that I need it I can handle the cold very well I'm quite content in all circumstances but it's good for you to send me presents And so that's what's most important here.

Please consider this a receipt of payment of your debt.

And there's no gift for you this year, but I know God will supply whatever it is that you need.

You are loved more than you know Philip, right? Worst thank you note ever, right? What is going on here in this text? Well, in the Greco-Roman world, gift giving and exchanging was an important part of the social fabric.

There were customs and expectations that attended to the giving of these gifts.

And if you did receive a gift, you were expected to return the gesture with a gift of commensurate value.

And in these cases, if you were able to extend a gift of equal value in return, you did not say thank you.

That was the first century convention.

You were on parity, on equal social footing in the exchange.

Therefore, you were to acknowledge the gift and offer a gift in response.