“Indeed I 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.”

“Indeed” 

Paul was still concerned lest the Philippians mistake his talk about money as a lobby for more.

“I have all and abound”

The money that the Philippians sent was ample for his needs in jail. The word “have” is another business term. It is a technical term meaning to draw up a receipt. Literally, it means to have in full. This term carries the idea of paid in full. It means to receive a sum and give a receipt. Paul received full payment from the Philippians. He acknowledged their gift. This statement was their receipt marked “paid in full.”

The payment was not only made in full, but it was more than enough—”abound.” It not only supplied his need, but it also went beyond his need. Paul viewed himself in prosperity while sitting in jail! He had more than enough to satisfy his needs.

This phrase is an acknowledgment of God’s providential care of Paul. Trust in a God who cares grows as we experience God’s care.

“I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you”

Epaphroditus carried the gift of money from Philippi to Paul in Rome (Php 2:25-30). That gift he described as “I have all and abound . . . I am full . . .” He received full payment and had a surplus in his bank account. The Greek indicates that he viewed filling as his status quo. There was no ingratitude on Paul’s part.

The two words “from” in the above phrase indicate appreciation for both Epaphroditus and the church’s kindness.

Principle:

Giving is a barometer of our spiritual condition.

Application:

Some of us have the attitude that if we had more, we would give more. The Philippian attitude was to give more first. If we wait to give more, we probably will not give more. We must begin with what we have, with what God has given us. Then God will enable us to do yet more.