Fathers

Philippians 4

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Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. However you did well that you shared in my affliction. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Philippians 4:19

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"And may my God fulfill every need of yours, according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus." Behold how he invokes blessings upon them, as poor men do. But if even Paul blesseth those who give, much more let us not be ashamed to do this when we receive. Let us not receive as though we ourselves had need, let us not rejoice on our own account, but on that of the givers. Thus we too who receive shall have a reward, if we rejoice for their sake. …

Homily on Philippians 15 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since above he said: "circumstances were not favorable for you," that is, you yourselves were in a difficult situation, he now wishes them to be in abundance. If they had been as wise as Paul, he would not have asked bodily things for them. But since they were people occupied with worldly affairs and having some attachment to present things, he, condescending to their weakness, asks God for them not excess and luxury, but sufficiency in necessities. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, my God will supply every need of yours, he brings the epistle to a close with a prayer: my God. There is one God of all men by creation and power; but He is mine, because I serve Him in a special way: "For God is my witness whom I serve" (Rom. 1:9). May He supply all your needs, because you have supplied mine. The Lord can do this because He abounds in riches: "The same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him" (Rom. 10:12); hence he says, according to his riches. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗