The Second Part.
Vers. 10. But I rejoyced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of mee hath flourished again, wherein you were also careful, but yee lacked oppor∣tunity.
The second part of the Chapter follows, where∣in that hee may shew his thankfulness to the Phi∣lippians, for the money they sent him by Epaphroditus, hee commends this their action by ten Arguments. (1.) Because that relief sent from them was very ac∣ceptable to him. (2.) Because the sending of that pre∣sent did proceed from the vertue and habit of Christian liberallty which was in them, which habit like a living root, had manifested it self in this action. Argum. (3.) Because hereby it might bee perceived their backward∣ness to send this succour, was not caused by any defect of charity, but want of opportunity.
Vers. 11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to bee content.
12. I know both how to bee abased, and I know how to abound; every where, and in all things I am in∣structed, both to bee full, and to bee hungry, both to abound and suffer need.
By the way in preventing an Objection, hee removes a suspicion of himself, as if hee had been more sorrow∣full before the receiving of this succour, or that for his own sake hee was glad of the money sent to him: This hee proves by his own equanimity and moderation of minde in every condition, that hee was one who had learned to bear both prosperity and adversity with an e∣qual minde, and was ever content with the present main∣tenance of his life.
Vers. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthneth mee.
Hee ascribes the glory of this equanimity and mode∣rate minde in all things unto Christ, by vertue of whom he was inabled thereunto.
Vers. 14. Notwithstanding, yee have well done that you did communicate with my affliction.
Argum. (4.) Hee commends their deed, in that it was a communicating with his affliction.
Vers. 15. Now yee Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Ma∣cedonia, no Church communicated with mee, as con∣cerning giving and receiving, but yee only.
Argum 5. Because they only of all the Churches in Macedonia, from the first preaching of the Gospel, until that time, had communicated with him, by way of giving and receiving.
Vers. 16. For even in Thessalonica yee sent once and again unto my necessity.
Argum. 6. That this was the third time they had ex∣ercised their liberality towards him.
Vers. 17. Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Argum. 7. Because this was a fruit of their faith which God would recompence at the day of judgement, in which fruit hee professeth, hee is more delighted than in any particular advantage of his own.
Vers. 18. But I have all, and abound, I am full, ha∣ving received the things of Epaphroditus which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sa∣crifice acceptable, well-pleasing unto God.
Argum. 8. That the sum of mony they writ to him of, was very large (at least in respect of the Apostles esteem and thriftiness) all which whole summe hee acknow∣ledges was delivered to him by Epaphroditus.
An odour] Argum. 9. That this benevolence was no less pleasing and acceptable to God, than any sacrifice which was wont to bee offered under the Law with the most fragrant incense.
Vers. 19. But my God shall supply all your need, accord∣ing to his riches in glory, by Christ Iesus.
Argum. 10. Because that God will reward them in this life for what ever they have bestowed on him, and