Philippians 4:10 | Pastor Burns' Study Notes

Paul now turns to the support this church had given him. He rejoiced in the Lord greatly because their care for him had flourished again. This was not a new burden suddenly created in them-they had always cared, but they had lacked opportunity.

Paul describes their renewed support like a plant springing back to life, breaking through the soil again. Years earlier, this church had supported him in his missionary work, but for reasons not stated, that support had ceased for a time. Now it had revived. Their heart to help had always been there, but the open door had not. The distance between Philippi and Rome was great, and opportunity had been lacking. But now, through Epaphroditus, their care had reached Paul again.