Philippians 4:11-13

11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state 1 am, therein to be content. 12. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. 13. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.

Translation and Paraphrase

11. (It is) not because of want (and need) that I speak. For (personally) I have learned to be content in (any) circumstances (wherever) I am.
12. I know both (how) to be lowly, and I know (how) to have abundance. In everything (individually) and in all things (collectively) I am fully instructed (by my experiences) both (how) to be full and (how) to be hungry, (how) to have abundance, and (how) to suffer need.

13. I can do all things through (Christ) who (always) empowers me.

Notes

1.

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul declares that he does not write about his joy over their gift because he had been in want (although as a matter of fact he was in real affliction). Paul knew how to endure all things, both abundance and poverty, through Christ Jesus.

2.

Paul's expression of joy was not uttered because his personal needs had been met, but because of something else. That something else is identified in Philippians 4:17.

3.

Paul had learned to be content in all situations wherein he found himself. Content (autarkes) means sufficient for oneself; independent of external circumstances; contented with one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest. (Thayer). This word was a favorite of the Greek Stoics. The Stoics sought to be content by eliminating all desires, all emotions, and feelings by a deliberate practiced act of the will. Paul was not self-sufficient in this way, but self-sufficient because he was in Christ, and Christ was in him. This is the grand secret of true contentment.

4.

In Philippians 4:12 Paul itemized some respects in which he had learned to be content:

(1) He knew how to be made low (economically and socially).
(2) He knew how to have abundance, more than he needed, without becoming proud or overconfident.
(3) He knew how to be full (well fed).
(4) He knew how to be hungry.
He asserts that in everything individually and in all things collectively he had been initiated into a knowledge of how to bear up. (He belonged to the Order of Contented Saints! The Greek verb mueo used here is mostly used in classical Greek to refer to initiation into the Greek mystery religions.)

5.

Christ strengthened Paul. The verb strengthen is in a present tense form, indicating continuous action. 2 Timothy 4:17.

6.

Notice that Paul makes no formal expression of thanks beyond his recognition and commendation of the moral and spiritual significance of their act, in which he acknowledges a benefit to himself. He was far from being unthankful, but he chose this means to express his feelings.