Philippians 4:18

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Philippians 4:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things [that came] from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things [that came] from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Philippians 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things [that came] from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I have all things, and abound, etc.] Or “I have received all things”, as the Syriac version renders it; all that they had sent by Epaphroditus; and for which he now gives a receipt; and by virtue of which he now abounded; and which abundance of his was not so much owing to the largeness of their presents, as to the peace of his mind; looking upon this gift of theirs, though it might be but small in itself, a fulness to him; for he adds, I am full; as much as he desired, he wanted no more, he had enough: having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you: and which he acknowledged, that the character of this good man might stand clear, who had been intrusted with this…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But--Though "the gift" is not what I chiefly "seek after" (Phi 4:17), yet I am grateful for the gift, and hereby acknowledge it as ample for all my needs. Translate, "I have all" that I want, "and more than enough." Literally, as English Version, "I abound" over and above my needs. I am full--Greek, "I am filled full." the odour of a sweet smell--(See on Eph 5:2). The figure is drawn from the sweet-smelling incense which was burnt along with the sacrifices; their gift being in faith was not so much to Paul, as to God (Mat 25:40), before whom it "came up for a memorial" (Act 10:4), sweet-smelling in God's presence (Gen 8:21; Rev 8:3-4). sacrifice acceptable-- (Heb 13:16).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But I have all - Margin, “or, have received.” The phrase here is equivalent to, “I have received everything. I have all I want, and desire no more.” He was entirely satisfied. What they had sent to him is, of course, now unknown. It is sufficient to know, that it was of such a nature as to make his situation comfortable. I am full - I have enough, This is a strong expression, denoting that nothing was lacking. Having received of Epaphroditus - see the notes at Philippians 2:25. An odour of a sweet smell - This does not mean that it was such an odor to Paul, but to God. He regarded it as an offering which they had made to God himself; and he was persuaded that he would regard it as acceptable…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“An odour of a sweet smell - More pleasing to God than the sweetest perfumes to men. Philippians 4:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:18 Epaphroditus (see also 2:25-30) had carried the gifts from Philippi. • Their gifts were a sweet-smelling sacrifice: In the Old Testament, acceptable offerings were a pleasant fragrance to God (see Lev 1:9, 13, 17; 2:2, 9; 3:5, 16; cp. Rom 12:1; Eph 5:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I have all: or, I have received all abound: Phi 4:12; Th2 1:3 Epaphroditus: Phi 2:25, Phi 2:26 an: Joh 12:3-8; Co2 2:15, Co2 2:16; Eph 5:2; Heb 13:16; Pe1 2:5 acceptable: Rom 12:1; Co2 9:12 Philippians 4:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification