Philippians 4:14
“Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul commends the Philippians for sharing in his affliction through their generosity.
What Does Philippians 4:14 Mean?
Lest his contentment seem to diminish their gift, Paul affirms it warmly. Nevertheless, he says, you have done well that you shared with me in my affliction, joining yourselves to his hardship through their generosity.
Paul has just said he could be content with or without their help, but he does not want that to belittle their kindness. Their gift was a good and noble thing, a way of entering into his suffering and bearing it with him. The word communicate means to share or have fellowship; by their giving, the Philippians made his affliction their own. This is the beauty of generosity within the body of Christ: it binds people together in one another's trials. Paul honors their love even as he testifies to his own contentment, holding both truths together. Contentment in God and gratitude for others' kindness are not at odds.