“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
But I have received full payment and more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God — Paul's receipt is 'full payment' (apechō, have paid in full, receipt formula from receipts), even 'more' (perisseuo, exceed). The goods received from Epaphroditus are reframed sacrificially: 'fragrant offering' (osmē euōdias) invokes Levitical incense-language. 'Acceptable and pleasing to God' (euarestos, well-pleasing) applies temple-language to economic gift. Their giving is worship.
Church Fathers on Philippians 4:18
“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…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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