Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
He recalls these acts in order that, hearing that their good works are still held in mind and praised, they may have no doubt that they are counted acceptable in the Lord’s sight, adding zeal in faith to their generosity.
Giving and receiving; by my giving you spiritual instructions, and you returning me temporal assistance; and know that these, your charities, are an odour of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice to God. (ver. 18.) (Witham)
Lo, how great is his commendation! For the Corinthians and Romans are stirred up by hearing these things from him, while the Philippians did it without any other Church having made a beginning. For in the beginning of the Gospel, says he, they manifested such zeal towards the holy Apostle, as themselves first to begin, without having any example, to bear this fruit. And no one can say that they did these things because he abode with them, or for their own benefit; for he says, When I departed from Macedonia, no Church had fellowship with me, in the matter of giving and receiving, but you only. What means receiving, and what had fellowship? Wherefore said he not, no Church gave to me, but had fellowship with me, in the matter of giving and receiving? Because it is a case of communication. He says, If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things. 1 Corinthians 9:11 And again, That your abundance may be a supply to their want. 2 Corinthians ...
The principle by which they entered this partnership was: Give useful gifts and receive back better spiritual gifts. You know how those who buy and sell hold conversation with one another in order to exchange their wares. This is what is happening here. There is nothing, nothing at all, more profitable than this sort of buying and selling. It begins on earth but ends in heaven. .
What a great eulogy! What the Corinthians and Romans could have done had they been inspired by hearing of this! But no other church took the lead before the Philippians acted. Even in the beginning of the gospel they were already zealous on the saints’ behalf. Even when they had no good examples before them they were the first to bear this fruit. .
