I thank my God upon every remembrance of you … I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again … I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God … All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. Philippians 1:3; 4:10, 17–18, 22 NKJV
These verses are from the letter Paul wrote to the Philippian believers while imprisoned in his rented quarters at Rome. They express thanks for the financial gift they had sent him through Epaphroditus, a brother who had become sick and had almost died while carrying out his errand. We learn of Paul’s circumstances and see his confidence and joy in the Lord and his concern about these dear saints, whose unity was endangered by a local problem.
There were those who caused problems for him too, but Christ was preached, and in this he rejoiced. He pointed them to the example of Christ and of brothers who put Him first, not themselves. He emphasized they should rejoice in the Lord and let His mind be in them. Press on, be patient, endure suffering, be considerate of one another, let God know your needs, be occupied with good things, look for Christ to come—exhortations also for us today.
In thanking the Philippians for their care for him, evidenced by their gift, Paul points out how pleased God is with such giving. Our giving too is well-pleasing to Him who gave His dear Son for us and supplies all our need according to His riches in glory.
Paul says that it had become evident to the whole palace guard that his chains were in Christ (1:13). He sends greetings from “those who are of Caesar’s household”—the imperial guard—members of which had no doubt heard the gospel and come to Christ while chained to this “prisoner of Christ Jesus” for hours on end.