Paul thanks the Christians in Philippi
10 I am very happy that you want to help me again. I praise the Lord for that. I know that you already wanted to help me. But you have not had a chance to do anything until now. 11 When I say this, it is not because I need anything. I have learned to be happy, whatever things may happen to me. 12 I know how to be happy when I need things. I also know how to be happy when I have more than enough. I have learned this secret. I can be happy when I have enough food to eat, and also when I am hungry. I can be happy when I have plenty of things, and also when I have nothing. 13 I can do all these things because Christ makes me strong.
14 But certainly, you have been very kind to me. You have helped me while I have been in trouble. 15 Also, you Christians in Philippi helped me at the time when I started to tell people God's good news. When I left Macedonia, you were the only group of Christians who helped me. We were able to help one another, as you know. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica, you helped me. More than once, you sent gifts to me because I needed things.
4:16Macedonia included the north part of the country that we call Greece. It also included the south part of the country that we call North Macedonia. Philippi and Thessalonica were cities in Macedonia.
17 It is not your gifts themselves that I want. But I want you to do good things so that God will bless you in return. 18 Epaphroditus has brought the gifts that you sent to me. I have received those gifts, so that I no longer need anything. You have sent me more than enough. Your gifts are like a sacrifice with a nice smell that you have offered to God. God accepts that kind of sacrifice. It makes him very happy. 19 My Lord God in heaven has plenty of good and valuable things. Because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will give you everything that you need.
