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Philippians

About this book
Chapter 4

1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends! 2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.⁠ 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!⁠ 5 Let everyone see your gentleness.⁠ The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.⁠ 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.⁠ 12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble. 15 And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. 17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.⁠ 19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen. 21 Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me here send greetings. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Texts in conversation

Compare LXX Exodus 29:18 and Philippians 4:18

Septuagint · New Testament

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Summary

The Greek Septuagint translation of Exodus describes the burnt ram offering as a gift pleasing to God. Paul calls the Philippians’ gift to him a sacrifice pleasing to God, applying the same Greek vocabulary to a monetary gift sent to him in prison.

Passages

LXX Exodus 29:18

Septuagint
17 And you shall divide the ram by its limbs, and you shall wash the inward parts and the feet with water, and you shall put them on the divided parts with the head. 18 And you shall offer the whole ram on the altar, a whole burnt offering to the Lord for a sweet smelling aroma: it is an offering of incense to the Lord. 19 And you shall take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram.
300–201 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in LXX Exodus

Philippians 4:18

New Testament
17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
56–63 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in Philippians

References

... Exodus 29:18 speaks of the burning of a whole ram on the altar as a burnt offering to God, and it is said to be "a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord." Paul in Philippians 4:18 speaks of the gifts the Philippians sent to him by means of Epaphroditus as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Paul is drawing an analogy between himself and God receiving gifts, except that ultimately the sacrifice they made on behalf of Paul is really a sacrifice offered and pleasing to God. Exodus 32:32 has Moses saying to God after the golden calf debacle "please forgive their sin, but if not blot me out of the book you have written." This should ring a bell with students of the New Testament familiar with Paul’s passionate words in Romans 9:3: "for I could wish myself cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Paul is willing to make the same sort of sacrifice as Moses to save his people ...
Ben Witherington, Torah Old and New: Exegesis, Intertextuality, and Hermeneutics (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2018), 224.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

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LXX Exodus 29:18 and Philippians 4:18

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