Paul’s Accounting
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account Philippians 4:14-17
Acts 16 marks a turning point in Paul’s pioneering ministry. Until this time he has been planting churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). But in Acts 16 he has a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for him to come to him.
This was a new beginning for Paul. He crosses the Aegean Sea into what is now Greece and the first church is planted – in Philippi. It was the only church to continue supporting Paul financially after he moved further south.
Thessalonica was the next main city he visited (Acts 17:1-9) and while there he received financial help from the Philippians. Only when he reached Corinth does he return to tent making to support himself.
Using a book keeping term, Paul describes how the gift from the church in Philippi means God will ‘credit their account.’ The picture is of a ledger book with credits on one side and debits on the other. The church had given to Paul. That was a debit. Now, writes Paul, God will Himself write in the book on the credit side.
You can’t out give God. Giving done with a right heart brings God’s reward, both here on earth and ultimately, before the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
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