Philippians 4:18
“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul, fully supplied by their gift through Epaphroditus, calls it a fragrant sacrifice pleasing to God.
What Does Philippians 4:18 Mean?
Paul acknowledges that their gift has more than met his need. Having received from Epaphroditus the things they sent, he says he has everything and abounds, he is full. Then he lifts their kindness to a higher plane, calling it a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God.
The language is drawn from the altar, where offerings rose as a sweet aroma to God. The Philippians' gift to Paul was, in truth, an offering to God himself, received by him with delight. This transforms the meaning of their generosity; what they gave to a man in prison ascended to heaven as worship. Acts of love and giving, done in Christ's name, are received by God as sacrifices that please him. Paul assures the Philippians that their kindness was not merely helpful to him but beautiful to God, a fragrant offering laid upon his altar.