Paul's Prison Epistles: Paul And The PhilippiansSample

Concern for Paul: Philippians 4:18

As a whole, the church in Philippi had a strong, loving relationship with the apostle Paul. And when they heard about his sufferings in prison, they were dismayed and worried about him. So, as soon as they were able, they demonstrated their concern by sending a gift to meet Paul’s earthly needs, and by dispatching Epaphroditus to deliver the gift to Paul and to minister to him in prison. Paul mentioned this gift in Philippians 4:18, writing this note of thanks:

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18).

As we have mentioned, the Philippians were not wealthy, so this gift constituted a significant sacrifice on their part. But they sent it eagerly because they were so concerned about Paul’s well-being. And as we read in Philippians 2:25, the Philippian church also sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul in prison. Consider Paul’s words there:

It is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus … who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (Philippians 2:25).

Apparently, Epaphroditus also delivered a report to Paul expressing the Philippians’ fears that Paul was being persecuted by other believers and that a threat of death hung over his head. And in his letter to them, Paul confirmed that the Philippians’ had properly understood his circumstances, and expressed appreciation for their concern. 

For example, in Philippians 1:15-17, he admitted that certain preachers of the gospel were troubling him. He described his situation with these words:

Some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry … out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains (Philippians 1:15-17).

In fact, one of the reasons Paul felt so sorrowful was that so few of the believers around him, including Christian leaders, truly dedicated their hearts to gospel ministry. Consider his words to this effect in Philippians 2:21:

Everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:21).

In short, the Philippians were justified in their concern for Paul at this time. Paul’s troubles were great, and his support was thin.

But the Philippians weren’t simply concerned about the fact that Paul was suffering. They were also worried that he might die, whether through assassination or public execution. And these fears were justified.  The Jews had attempted to assassinate Paul more than once, and the crime of which he was accused was punishable by death. So, out of deep concern for the apostle, the Philippians devoted themselves to prayer on Paul’s behalf. Paul thanked them for their prayers in Philippians 1:19-20, with these words of encouragement:

I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that … Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:19-20).

Paul was grateful for the Philippians’ prayers and assured them that even death would be a welcomed form of deliverance from his suffering.