Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:16
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
16. even in Thessalonica ] “Even when I was there.” Thessalonica was just 100 Roman miles (about 92 English) from Philippi, on the Via Egnatia. Amphipolis and Apollonia were the two intermediate road-stations, about 30 miles from each other, and apparently Paul and Silas passed only a night at each, hastening to Thessalonica, where probably they spent some weeks, or even months (Act 17:1-9; and cp. Conybeare and Howson, Life and Epistles &c., ch. 9; Lewin, L. and E. &c., vol. 1. chap. 11). Thus Thessalonica was practically the Apostle’s first pause after leaving Philippi; and it was in Macedonia.
once and again ] Within a short stay at the longest. In Acts 17 only “three sabbaths” are mentioned; but the Epistles to Thessalonica seem to imply that he stayed somewhat longer, by their allusions to the impression made at Thessalonica by his and his companions’ life and example. See 1Th 2:1-12 ; 2Th 3:7-8.
my necessity ] The profits of his hard manual labour at Thessalonica (see 1 and 2 Thess. just quoted) evidently left him still very poor. He would take nothing of the Thessalonians, while still actually introducing the Gospel to them.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
For even in Thessalonica; – see the notes, Act 17:1. Paul remained there long enough to establish a flourishing church. He met, indeed, with much opposition and persecution there; and, hence, it was necessary that his wants should be supplied by others.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 16. For even in Thessalonica] While labouring to plant the Church there, he was supported partly by working with his hands, 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:7-9; and partly by the contributions sent him from Philippi. Even the Thessalonians had contributed little to his maintenance: this is not spoken to their credit.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
They, for their parts, were most commendable in this matter, that when he was in Thessalonica, the mother city, (not above twenty-five miles distant), their care for his comfortable livelihood was more than once manifested, he passing again and again through Macedonia, 1Co 16:5; 2Co 1:16; which argues his thankful resentment of the constant purpose of their mind to succour him upon all occasions.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
16. even in Thessalonica“even”as early as when I had got no further than Thessalonica, ye sent mesupplies for my necessities more than once.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For even in Thessalonica,…. When the apostle was there; for from Philippi he went to Thessalonica; see Ac 17:1;
ye sent once and again unto my necessity; for his use and service, to support him while he was at that place, and relieve and assist him in his necessities; for the people at Thessalonica were either not able to communicate, or were not of a beneficent disposition, or the apostle did not care to be chargeable to them; and they seem many of them to have been idle and lazy, and therefore he wrought among them with his own hands to set them an example; and the Philippians hearing and knowing that this was the case, sent frequently, while he was here, some of the brethren with gifts unto him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Once and again ( ). “Both once and twice” they did it “even in Thessalonica” and so before Paul went to Corinth.” See the same Greek idiom in 1Th 2:18.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Even in Thessalonica [] . Better also : in addition to the contribution received at Corinth.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “For even in Thessalonica” (hoti kai on Thessalonike) “because even in Thessalonica,” a neighbor-city some 75 miles south of Philippi, to which Paul departed from them to preach the gospel, Act 16:35-40.
2) “Even once and again” (kai hapaks kai dis) “both once and twice,” repeatedly, Act 17:1-4, even during a short stay of perhaps not longer than four weeks.
3) “Ye sent unto my necessity” (eis ten chreian moi epempsate) “you all sent with relationship or according to my need,” during his early Thessalonica ministry, as he resided in Jason’s house, Act 17:5-9. Thessalonica, as a city, was much wealthier, had a much better economic base than Philippi, yet it was this early European church that loyally supported him in Missions, 2Co 11:9.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(16) Even in Thessalonica.Not only after he left Macedonia, but even before that time, when he had just passed from Philippi to Thessalonica. At Thessalonica, as at Corinthboth very rich and luxurious communitieshe refused maintenance, and lived mainly by the labour of his own hands (1Th. 2:9; 2Th. 3:8). But it appears from this passage that even then he received once and again (that is, occasionally, once or twice) some aid from Philippi to supply his needthat is (as in all right exercise of liberality), to supplement, and not to supersede, his own resources.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
16. Once and again This was at an earlier date, while he was still in the province, and so at home with them. They, perhaps, learn now, for the first time, in this free outpouring of precious memories, of the absolute need which their love had relieved.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Php 4:16. Ye sent once and again, &c. It appears by 1Th 2:9 and 2Th 3:7-9 that it was not to the liberality of the inhabitants of that city, but chiefly to the labour of his own hands, that St. Paul owed his subsistence during his abode among them. St. Chrysostom remarks judiciously upon this place, “That it is a great commendation of the Philippians, that when St. Paul resided in the metropolis, [Thessalonica,] he should receive no assistance from the inhabitants of that city, while generous contributions were made to him from the little city of Philippi.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Phi 4:16 . ] since, indeed, ye also already in Thessalonica , etc. It is argumentative , namely, outbidding the early definition of date , in Phi 4:15 , by one even antecedent , and thus serving more amply to justify that specification of time, [192] for which purpose the specifying the reason was quite sufficient, and (in opposition to Hofmann’s objection) no was necessary. The opinion of Wiesinger, that . . . is intended to explain that it was only with the aid sent after Paul at a distance that the readers had entered into such a connection with the apostle as is previously mentioned, is bound up with the untenable interpretation of as pluperfect. The rendering of by that (Rheinwald, Matthies, Hoelemann, van Hengel, Rilliet, de Wette, Lnemann, Weiss) is to be set aside, because, while the emphatic , Phi 4:15 , accords doubtless with the exclusion of other churches in Phi 4:15 , it does not accord with Phi 4:16 (“ ye also know that ye have sent to me!”), to which it would stand in an illogical relation, even apart from the uncalled-for inversion of the order of time , which would result. Hofmann’s explanation, which makes in Phi 4:16 parallel to the in Phi 4:15 and places it in causal relation to , falls with his erroneous view of Phi 4:15 .
The before . , for which Hinsch, following Baur, thinks that he finds a reference in 2Co 11:9 , is the simple also in the sense of also already; a climax as regards time; see Hartung, Partik . I. p. 135; Khner, II. 2, p. 797.
.] is not used, in the sense of the bearers having arrived, for , for there is no certain instance of or with in this sense (Thuc. vii. 17 must, with Becker and Krger, be read: ); but the preposition is used from the standpoint of the receiver: “ also at Thessalonica (when I was there) ye sent to me.” Thus this sending took place in Thessalonica . Comp. on Mat 10:16 ; Poppo and Krger on Thuc . iv. 27. 1.
] Comp. 1Th 2:18 . The conception is: “when the first aid arrived, the had taken place once; when the second arrived, it had taken place both once and twice .” Paul has not written merely, nor yet . ( 1Ma 3:30 ; Xen. Anab . iv. 7. 10), but by . . he sets forth the repetition of the matter more emphatically , to the praise of his readers (Hartung, Partikell . I. p. 144). Comp. , Plat. Phaed . p. 63 D, Phil . p. 59 E; Herod, ii. 121, iii. 148. The opposite: , Plat. Clit . p. 410 B.
. ] on behalf of the necessity , in order to satisfy it; comp. Phi 2:15 . The article indicates the necessity that had been existing in Paul’s case. On , used absolutely, comp. Act 11:29 . What they sent, they knew.
[192] If Baur had noticed this correct logical connection, he would not have made an improper use of our passage to fortify his opinion of the affair of the aid being an invented incident. The same assistance which is meant in ver. 15 cannot be meant in ver. 16, as some not attending to the (comp. Luther, Castalio, and others) have thought. This view is also at variance with the specification of time , ver. 15; for Paul abode several weeks in Thessalonica (Act 17:2 ), and then there still followed his sojourn in Beroea (Act 17:10 ff.), ere he quitted Macedonia and travelled to Athens.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Ver. 16. Ye sent once and again ] Charity’s fountain runs fresh, More perennis aquae, and is never dried up. “The liberal man deviseth liberal things,” and holdeth that only his own that he hath given to others. Hoc habeo quodcunque dedi, saith Seneca (De Ben. vi. 3).
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
16 .] for even in Thessalonica (which was an early stage of my ., before the departure was consummated. The gives a reason for and proof of the former assertion ye were the only ones, &c., and ye began as early as ., i.e. when I was at Thessalonica. In such brachylogical constructions the preposition of rest, as belonging to the act accomplished, overbears the preposition of motion, as belonging to it only in its imperfect state; so , Xen. Hell. iv. 5. 5, , Thuc. iv. 14, , ib. vii. 17, where . in Bekker’s text is a correction) ye sent both once and twice (the account of the expression being, that when the first arrived, they had sent once : when the second, not only once, but twice. So in ref.: and Herod. ii. 121, . . : iii. 148, . . . The opposite expression, , is found in Plato, Clitoph. 7) ye sent (absolute as in ref.) to (for the supply of, ref.) my necessity .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Phi 4:16 . . . . We are greatly inclined to take here, as in Phi 4:15 , as dependent on . “Ye know that at the beginning that even in Thessalonica,” etc. Thessalonica was a city of far greater wealth and importance than Philippi. might, however, emphasise the fact that they began at once to support him. . is probably to be taken literally. Cf. Deu 9:13 , ; 1Ma 3:30 , . It is interpreted in a more general sense by Lft [59] . and Wohl [60] . . . should be read with most of the best authorities. It is probably used here in a semi-technical meaning often found in Papyri (see Dsm [61] . , BS [62] . , pp. 113. 115; NBS [63] . , p. 23) and also in Paul, e.g. , 1Co 16:1 , ; Rom 15:26 , . It describes the object of gifts, collections, etc., or the various items in an account which have to be met. This interpretation accords with the financial colouring of the passage.
[59] Lightfoot.
[60] Wohlenberg.
[61] Deissmann ( BS. = Bibelstudien, NBS. = Neue Bibelstudien ).
[62] Bibelstudien
[63] Neue Bibelstudien
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
even, &c = in Thessalonica also.
sent. App-174.
again. Literally twice. Greek. dis. Compare 1Th 2:18.
unto. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
16.] for even in Thessalonica (which was an early stage of my ., before the departure was consummated. The gives a reason for and proof of the former assertion-ye were the only ones, &c.,-and ye began as early as ., i.e. when I was at Thessalonica. In such brachylogical constructions the preposition of rest, as belonging to the act accomplished, overbears the preposition of motion, as belonging to it only in its imperfect state; so , Xen. Hell. iv. 5. 5,- , Thuc. iv. 14,- , ib. vii. 17, where . in Bekkers text is a correction) ye sent both once and twice (the account of the expression being, that when the first arrived, they had sent once: when the second, not only once, but twice. So in ref.: and Herod. ii. 121, . . : iii. 148, . . . The opposite expression, , is found in Plato, Clitoph. 7) ye sent (absolute as in ref.) to (for the supply of, ref.) my necessity.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Php 4:16. ) , an ordinal member in this passage; i.e. not once and twice, which would be equivalent to thrice, but once and again, so that under , twice, , once, is comprehended. So 1Th 2:18.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Php 4:16
Php 4:16
for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.-They did not wait to see what others would do, they gave what they could. Not only had they contributed to his aid when he departed, but they sent once and again. [Well might he speak so favorably of this church to the Corinthians, inasmuch as they formed such a contrast with all others. Even now how sad a picture of selfishness and ingratitude does Paul draw here in the praise he bestows upon this faithful church. The example shines so brightly only by its contrast with the prevailing selfishness.] The example of the Philippian church shines luminously by the side of many churches of the present day, doling out mere pittances to those who have spent their lives in building them up.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
in: 1Th 2:9
once: 1Th 2:18
Reciprocal: Act 17:1 – Thessalonica 2Co 11:9 – the brethren Heb 6:10 – which
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
(Php 4:16.) -For even in Thessalonica both once and a second time ye sent to me for my necessity. Hoelemann, van Hengel, Rilliet, and others give the sense of that, and so connect it with ; but the verse in that case would want a definite purpose, and the connection would be awkward and entangled. On the other hand, we take this verse, with Luther, Meyer, and others, as expressing an argument. The apostle reverts to a period earlier than his departure from the province, and says, that even in Thessalonica, and before he had gone from the province of Macedonia in which Thessalonica was situated, they more than once communicated with him. When labouring at Thessalonica, the apostle speaks thus of himself-labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you. 1Th 2:9. And he says in his second epistle-3:8, 9- Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought, but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you; not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. The sums sent from Philippi did not fully supply the need of the apostle, for he was still obliged to work; but it argued goodwill on the part of the Philippian church, and the apostle refers with gratitude to their liberality. Even in Thessalonica, a neighbouring city, which ought to have supported him, but where for several reasons he did not have support or rather refused to have it, the Philippian brethren had shown a noble spirit and sent to him. Not only when he left the province, but at a prior period they had shown their generous appreciation of his services, and sent what the apostle without any false delicacy names- -to my need-a need they well understood, and sought to relieve. marks destination. Winer, 49, a. This they did . The phrase represents in the Septuagint different Hebrew formulas, such as , Neh 13:20, or , 1Sa 3:10. The repetition of the conjunction – gives a conscious force. Mar 9:22; Rom 14:9; 1Th 2:18; 1Ma 3:30; Hartung, p. 143. The use of both numerical terms is a rhetorical formula, in which the repetition is warmly dwelt on, and so acquires prominence. The similar phrase occurs also in the classics, as in Herodotus 2.121. But the language does not warrant us to suppose with Michaelis that the Philippians sent to the apostle an annual bounty. The before signifies even, etiam. Hartung, 1.135. Chrysostom’s explanation of the is, that it insinuates the importance of Thessalonica: even in such a great city- -he was supported by the Christians of a smaller one. The verb has no formal accusative-it being supplied by the sense of the clause. Act 11:29. The words occur by a common idiom. It is somewhat tame to connect them with -to me being in Thessalonica ye sent. This is indeed the sense, but the apostle more pregnantly expresses it. His shade of meaning is not merely that they had sent the gift into Thessalonica, but that the deputies had travelled into Thessalonica, and in it had found the apostle, and had put into his hands the liberality of the Philippian church. is not used for . Winer, 50, 4, a; Thucydides, Php 4:14. The various readings of the verse are omitted in A, D1, E2, as well as in the Syriac-an omission probably caused through the similar final letters () of the preceding word; and is the true reading in opposition to , which has only a few inferior authorities. Chrysostom’s remark is finical,-the apostle does not say -my wants, but speaks absolutely, . The apostle is jealous lest this free-speaking should be misunderstood, lest he should be supposed to rate the contribution only at its money value, and perhaps, too, lest his thankfulness for past benefactions should be construed into a quiet hint that future and larger favours are expected by him. Such a misinterpretation he at once disclaims-
Fuente: Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Phillipians
Php 4:16. Thessalonica was Paul’s next field of labor after leaving Philippi (Act 17:1). We do not know how long he remained in that city, but it was long enough to require extra supplies for his living. He did manual labor in order to relieve the brethren of the burden (1Th 2:5-9; 2Th 3:7-9). But even with his own toil, he was unable to secure sufficient for his needs. That is the reason the Philippians sent once and again unto his necessity.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Php 4:16. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. The hurried departure of the apostle from Philippi gave little time for arranging a provision for his further support and journeying, and the condition to which he had been reduced by the scourging made it impossible that he should attempt, for a time at least, to work with his hands. We can therefore picture the congregation in Philippi gathering together what they could at once, and then sending, as they were collected, further supplies for the apostles needs. St. Paul writes literally, even once and twice, but we need not take the sense to be that relief was sent on only two occasions. The meaning is well given by our once and again. We can see from the history in the Acts, that communication was easy between the towns of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Bera.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Even before Paul arrived in Corinth the Philippians had sent him gifts in Thessalonica, the next town he visited after leaving Philippi (Act 17:1). Perhaps these were smaller gifts since they were not as memorable.
"There is good evidence from the Greco-Roman world that the actual expression of ’thank you’ was not a part of friendship as such. As strange as it may seem to us, true friends did not need to express thanksgiving directly in order for it to be received. What Paul is most likely doing here in keeping with social convention is thus expressing his ’thank you’ indirectly, but even more tellingly, by rehearsing their history in this way." [Note: Fee, Paul’s Letter . . ., pp. 446-47.]