Verse 11
Paul did not want the Philippians to misunderstand him. He was not rejoicing primarily because their gift had met his need, but because their gift expressed their love and concern for him. Paul had learned to be content and to rejoice regardless of his physical circumstances. Such contentment is not a natural gift.
"It [the aorist tense of the Greek verb emathon, translated "learned"] implies that Paul’s whole experience, especially as a Christian, up to the present has been a sort of schooling from which he has not failed to master its lessons." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 198.]
Every Christian needs to learn to be content. When Paul urged his readers to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) he was preaching what he practiced (Philippians 4:5-8). The apostle’s contentment and joy even in prison indicate his spiritual maturity, and it challenges us all.
"Socrates said as to who is wealthiest: ’He that is content with least, for autarkeia [contentment] is nature’s wealth.’" [Note: Robertson, 4:461.]
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