In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the passage in Philippians 4:15-18 contains some of the warmest and most personal reflections he ever wrote. Paul was imprisoned in Rome. He had no income, no means of sustaining himself, and no ability to travel or work. Yet in his confinement, he received a gift from the believers at Philippi. From the earliest days of their faith, these Christians willingly committed themselves to supporting Paul’s ministry, both in prayer and through financial giving. In response to their generosity, Paul gives one of the clearest biblical teachings on Christian generosity as Gospel partnership.
Giving Is Fellowship in the Gospel
“No church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (v. 15b). The key word Paul uses here is “communicated”. In the original Greek, the word is koinonia, the same word translated elsewhere in the New Testament as “fellowship”, “sharing”, and “partnership”.
Paul is saying, “No church entered into real partnership with me in giving and receiving; no church shared the burden and the blessing, except you Philippians.” Their giving was not merely an act of kindness; it was participation in the work of the Gospel. They were not spectators observing a missionary from a distance; they were partners standing beside him “in the trenches”.
No other church entered into partnership with Paul in the matter of “giving and receiving”. The expression “giving and receiving” comes from business language, and it carries the sense of “credit” and “debit”. This suggests that Paul was a faithful steward who carefully tracked the gifts he received and how they were used. Together, they shared in the same account before God.
This reveals a foundational truth for the church: financial giving is an act of fellowship. It is a declaration that “we are in this work together”! We may not all preach like Paul, travel like Paul, or suffer as Paul did, but through giving we share in the same labour and the same eternal reward. In a world where money divides people, Paul teaches that money consecrated to God unites believers in mission. Faithful Christian giving creates Gospel fellowship.
Giving Is Practical Support for the Ministry
“For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity” (v. 16). Paul now moves from principle to example. He reminds them that their partnership was not occasional or symbolic; it was practical and consistent. Even before he departed from Macedonia, the Philippians were supporting him, and during his ministry in Thessalonica, they repeatedly sent assistance to meet his needs. Their generosity, coupled with Paul’s devoted labour, served to further the work of the Gospel.
Their giving was timely. Paul reminds the Philippians that their support began “in the beginning of the gospel” (v. 15a), that is, from the very moment the church was founded under his ministry (cf. Acts 16). When Lydia and the jailer came to faith, and when that small group of believers formed the first church on European soil, generosity was woven into their spiritual life. From the earliest days of their Christian walk, they instinctively responded to the grace of God with open hearts and open hands.
New believers often struggle to understand the foundations of faith, yet the Philippians embraced the privilege of Gospel partnership from the start. They recognised that supporting Paul was not a burden, but an opportunity to participate in God’s work beyond their own city. When Paul moved on to Thessalonica, they did not forget him; they sent help “once and again unto my necessity” (v. 16). From the very beginning, they saw themselves not merely as recipients of ministry, but also as active co-labourers in the spread of the Gospel.
Their giving was repeated. “… in Thessalonica ye sent once and again” (v. 16a) They did not give one emotional gift and stop; their generosity continued. True Gospel partnership is steady, deliberate, and enduring.
Their giving met real needs. Paul says their support was “unto my necessity” (v. 16b). This was not luxury; it was survival. Ministry requires resources, such as food, shelter, transportation, materials, and assistance. Paul’s calling and mission demanded travel, teaching, writing, and physical endurance, but for such work to continue, many needs must be met.
This principle remains unchanged. Every Gospel ministry, whether it be pastoral work, missions, evangelism, discipleship, benevolence, or outreach, requires financial and physical means. To thrive in the Gospel ministry, the church needs to address physical realities. The Philippians understood this deeply, and they responded willingly.
Giving Is Fruit Added to the Giver’s Account
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account” (v. 17). Here, Paul reveals his pastoral heart with remarkable clarity. He is in effect saying, “I am not asking for money because I want money.” Instead his exhortation to them is, “I want you to experience the spiritual fruit and eternal reward that comes from generosity.” Paul refuses to be seen as a beggar seeking relief. Rather, he is a shepherd seeking their growth. He does not emphasise the gift given, but the benefit to the giver.
Giving produces fruit in the giver. Generosity is a mark of grace (2 Cor. 8:1). It strengthens faith. It cultivates joy. It enlarges love for others. It eliminates greed and selfishness. It draws the believer to be Christ-like in giving. Every time a believer gives, something grows in his soul.
Giving stores up eternal treasure. Paul uses the language of a heavenly account: “I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Jesus taught the same principle: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt 6:20). Souls saved, churches planted, Scripture written, disciples strengthened through Paul, were “fruits” that abounded to their account.
Giving brings God’s approval. Paul later says their gift was: “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (v. 18b). Thus, giving is worship. It is an offering laid on the altar of gratitude, devotion, and love. God is honoured when His people support His work.
Applying This to Our Present Ministry Needs
The Lord has graciously enabled Gethsemane BPC (including GBWL) to abound in His work, both near and far. As a result, our monthly ministry expenses have risen to nearly S$150,000. Beyond local rentals, staff support and regular ministry needs (such as BWMM, GBI and TGCM), a significant portion is devoted to mission work worldwide. To continue running our ministries effectively and to sustain the Gospel missions entrusted to us, we ask that the congregation prayerfully participate through generous and sacrificial giving.
