Verse 10
The "But" (Gr. de) that opens this section in the NASB is a bit misleading. It does not imply a contrast with what precedes but simply introduces a new idea. Paul was glad that the Philippians had again expressed their loving concern for him by sending him a gift. Their care of him had "blossomed afresh" (NEB). It had been some time since they had done so.
"Like a person rejoicing over the signs of spring after a hard winter, so Paul rejoiced to see again the signs of personal concern from Philippi after a long interval of silence." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 197.]
Their failure seems to have resulted from some apparently unavoidable circumstance. The apostle understood this and did not chide them for their lack of attentiveness to his needs.
"In this section we see that the first attitude which makes giving and receiving a joy is concern for the work of the gospel and for those who do the work of the gospel. When the minds of the givers and receivers are focused on the work and on the workers rather than on the gift itself, financial matters will be kept in the right perspective." [Note: Brug, p. 219.]
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