10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
flourished again (v.10) = sprouted, blossomed — no reproach — lit. “you flourished anew as to taking thought for me”
lacked opportunity (v.10) — The Philippians had no way to get money to Paul in Rome.
not that I speak in regard to need (v.11) — Paul didn’t see their gift in terms of relief of his needs but as proof of the Philippians’ spiritual prosperity. His rejoicing was in the Lord, not in the gift.
I have learned (v.11) — tense indicates a decided fact, not a reference to time — “I have come to learn” — emphasis on “I” in contrast with others
whatever state (v.11) — whatever circumstances
content (v.11) = sufficient in oneself, independent of external conditions. Paul was independent of men because he depended on God.
abased (v.12) = brought low, humbled
abound (v.12) = having more than enough, overflow
everywhere and in all things (v.12) — not in things or people, but in each experience and in all circumstances
I have learned (v.12) — lit. “I have been initiated” — I have learned the secret (one kept hidden in the past but now revealed). Paul has learned how to deal with external circumstances in a way that is available to all, but not yet learned by many, who are in Christ.
full (v.12) = fed full — to be fattened like an animal
I can do (v.13) = lit. “I have strength (for)”
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
