4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an {o} odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
(o) He alludes to the sweet smelling savours that were offered under the old Law.
4:18 An odour of a sweet smell. The incense offered in the temple worship was very fragrant.
A sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Their offerings were like incense, like a sacrifice with which God was well pleased.
4:18 An odour of a sweet smell - More pleasing to God than the sweetest perfumes to men.
4:10-19 It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory.
