Philippians 4:17

17. Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

Translation and Paraphrase

17. (I do) not (write this) because I am seeking (or have ever sought) the gift; on the contrary I am seeking (for YOU) the fruit that will overflow to your account (as a result of your sacrificial giving).

Notes

1.

Paul denied in Philippians 4:11 that he wrote about the Philippians gift because he had been in want. So here in Philippians 4:17 he denies that he writes about it because of covetousness, because he sought the gift.

2.

Instead of seeking the Philippians-' gift for himself, Paul encouraged their giving because it would bring fruit to their account, (Compare note 10 under Philippians 4:14-16.)

3.

The fruit Paul refers to is the recompense which the gift would bring to the givers, Compare 2 Corinthians 9:6, Generous giving brings us the fruit of sufficiency (2 Corinthians 9:8); and the means to give more (2 Corinthians 9:8-10); and the fruit of thanksgiving from others (2 Corinthians 9:12 ff); and of hearts set in the right place (Matthew 6:21).

4.

This fruit increaseth, or is abounding. This is a present tense form, indicating continuous action. Every act of Christian ministering develops and enriches him who performs it.

5.

The generosity of a good church:

(1)

Sympathetic generosity; Philippians 4:14.

(2)

Repeated generosity; Philippians 4:16.

(3)

Fruit-bearing generosity; Philippians 4:17.