But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
It is not idle for him to tell them with exhortations that something needs to be done. He confesses that much has already been done. But some of that which was done was done more negligently and less freely than they might have wished it to be. His aim was that they should remember their previous works. Then they would realize that they are doing less now than at the beginning.
Mildness, I think, and philanthropy, and eminent piety, are the rules of gnostic assimilation. I affirm that these virtues "are a sacrifice acceptable in the sight of God; "
As Paul also says to the Philippians, "I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that were sent from you, the odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God."
But I have all things and abound, i.e. through this gift you have filled up what was wanting, which would make them more eager. For benefactors, the wiser they are, the more do they seek gratitude from the benefited. That is, you have not only filled up what was deficient in former time, but you have gone beyond. For lest by these words he should seem to accuse them, see how he seals up all. After he had said, Not that I seek for the gift, and Now at length; and had shown that their deed was a debt, for this is meant by, I have all, then again he shows, that they had acted above what was due, and says, I have all things and abound, I am filled. I say not this at hazard, or only from the feeling of my mind, but why? Having received of Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell; a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Lo, whither he has raised their gift; not I, he says, received, but God through me. Wherefore though I be not in need, regard it not, for Go...
“It is not I,” he says, “who have received but God through me. So I personally have no need of your gifts. Let this not concern you. And God himself has no need either. Yet he accepts these gifts.” … It is not the incense or the smoke that makes an acceptable offering but the will of the one who offers. .
“You have made my life overflow through your giving,” he says in effect. This was the distinctive mark of these people who were so very zealous. For the more philosophical the benefactors are, the more they are likely to seek thanks from their beneficiaries. On the contrary, Paul tells the Philippians that they have not only filled him up in what was lacking in the past but have exceeded all expectation. .
