Bible Studies

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Philippians 4:19 has been quoted ad nauseum, almost so much that it is devoid of the richness of its true meaning.

Paul the Apostle was, and is today through his writings, a man who gave immense blessings to the Church, Jesus started 2000 years ago.

This particular verse was in conclusion of a beautiful letter, written to the Philippians believers of Paul's day. Philippi was situated in modern day Greece, Macedonia by name today as well as then.

Paul went there after a particularly clear call, he desired to go elsewhere, but saw a vision of a man beckoning him to come and help those in Macedonia.

Paul and Silas (his traveling companion) heeded the call and ended up in Philippi.

Philippi was a source of witchcraft and sorcery. There were many demon-possessed men and women in Philippi. If you would cast out demons from the people, it was viewed as you casting out or maligning these peoples gods.

This caused immeasurable difficulty, because the Roman law stated every religion and practice was to be left alone, as long as Caesar was worshiped. If you stepped on these peoples "right to worship", you were guilty of a capitol crime.

Once Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi they began proclaiming the Gospel. A slave girl who was demon-possessed followed them and would say they were God's message carriers.

Paul became annoyed after this slave girl kept following them proclaiming them as men of God, he cast out the demon from this girl. For this, Silas and Paul were beaten, then put in prison.

During his incarceration, there was an earthquake, and all the chains fell off his, and Silas' wrists, the doors flew open as well. They could've ran away from their jailer, but instead stayed, and just before the jailer killed himself, rather than being killed for losing all the prisoners.

Paul called out and explained to him they were still there. This act of honesty, and mercy, on Paul and Silas' part, pierced the heart of the jailer. The Jailer ended up following the gospel as well.

Paul's vision of helping the people in Macedonia seemed to be true.

The people of Philippi became blessed by Paul's teaching, and example, of pursuing the Gospel, no matter the cost, that they ended up becoming a group of people near and dear to Paul. They gave to his ministry whenever or whatever he needed be it money, people, or things.

The verse we are focusing on, is at the end of this love letter to these dear people. When Paul thanks the Philippians, and promises them all the blessings they have given him will be returned, it is a very personal and heartfelt blessing.

When he told his scribe to write the immortal words "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory!"(NIV), he was affirming that the life these people led would be rewarded.

This blessing is not only in the next world, but this one as well, as the verse is a present tense statement.

Meaning, it has application for today as well as tomorrow. Paul wasn't being mystical, or explaining some future reward.

He was explaining to the Philippians, they had everything they needed in Christ now. If it was persecution, they had faith and endurance, if it was material need, they would receive what they needed to survive, if it was emotional duress they would receive peace and joy.This is one of the more personal and all encompassing supply verses written by Paul.

For today, we can also comfort ourselves in this truth. Paul was essentially explaining what status we have as believers. When we put our trust in God, He then supplies what we need. Normally, this does not mean we get what we want, but it does mean we get what we need.

In Jesus' world-view, Paul's, and the countless millions who have believed after him. The most important need has been and is still, to love, and be loved. This is accomplished in many ways, but the beginning is started with God loving and providing for us.

When we are certain of this, then trust in this, we can also love others, because we have learned how to properly. This verses promises this love is always there for us.

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