Philippians 4:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

NIV: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

NASB: Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty.

CSB: Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

NLT: Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

KJV: Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

NKJV: Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Even though Paul was confident in God's provision for his needs, he expressed thanks to his readers for their concern. Their acts of generosity were a way of taking some of Paul's hardship on themselves. And, of course, their acts were the way God fulfilled His promise to provide. Their kindness was an expression of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and reflected Paul's teachings elsewhere regarding kindness to others (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 2:5).

It's important to note that the Philippians shared, or had fellowship with, Paul's trouble. Galatians 6:2 teaches, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." These believers sought to share in Paul's struggles and supplied resources to help. Paul's "troubles" included marks on his body from being beaten for his faith (Galatians 6:17). Paul's one other use of "trouble" in Philippians is in 3:1 where he says it is "no trouble" to write to them. Regardless of the trials Paul faced, his attitude toward God, as well as the assistance provided by other believers, helped him to continue to persevere.

Philippians 4:10–20 describes how Christians can overcome worry and worldly desires, regardless of their circumstances. By making a purposeful decision to be content, a believer can trust God to provide our true needs, and not be consumed with materialism or anxiety. Paul has learned this skill through his many trials and ministry experiences. Paul also thanks the Philippians for their generosity, and expresses his confidence that God will bless them for it.

Paul specifically asks two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche, to settle their personal dispute. Other Christians are encouraged to act as reasonable, Christ-filled people. Paul notes that his experiences have taught him to be content with whatever material blessings he has. This reliance on the power of Christ not only allows believers to be content, it produces peace in our relationships to other Christians. This also requires a deliberate choice to set our attention on positive things. Paul extends sincere thanks to the Philippians for their generous support.

After putting suffering and hardship into perspective in the previous three chapters, Paul now gives specific thanks to the Philippians for their support and generosity. Prior passages in this letter have explained concepts like humility and hope, as well as a focus on Christ. Positive attitudes, and beneficial thinking, are especially important. In this concluding section, Paul calls on the Philippians to act with ''reasonableness,'' especially as they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is confident that God will bless these faithful Christians for their generous support.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.