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Greek Lessons
- The Question of Eternal Life: Syntax of Testing and Inquiry in Luke 10:25
- The Grammar of Astonishment and Difficulty
- The Urgency of Flight: Syntax, Eschatology, and the Grammar of Mission in Matthew 10:23
- Provoking the Lord: The Peril of Presumption
- The Great Priest Over God’s House: The Foundation of Confident Access
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Category
Tag Archives: Philippians 4:15
Sharing in the Gospel: Grammatical Partnership and Ecclesial Generosity in Philippians 4:15
Οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς, Φιλιππήσιοι, ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας, οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι, (Philippians 4:15)
And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.
Fellowship in Giving and Receiving: Literary and Theological Context of Philippians 4:15This verse appears within Paul’s expression of gratitude for the Philippians’ financial support. More than a simple thank-you, it is a deeply theological reflection on partnership in the gospel.… Learn Koine Greek
The Fellowship of Giving and Receiving: Declensions in Philippians 4:15
Οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς, Φιλιππήσιοι, ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας, οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι (Philippians 4:15)
And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.
Declension HighlightsThis verse illustrates Paul’s masterful use of Greek declensions to frame his message of exclusive gospel partnership. There are 13 declinable forms, including nouns, adjectives, and pronouns, which span all three declension classes:
1st Declension: ἐκκλησία, ἀρχῇ, Μακεδονίας 2nd Declension: λόγον, εὐαγγελίου 3rd Declension: δόσεως, λήψεως Pronouns/Adjectives: ὑμεῖς (×2), οὐδεμία, μόνοιThese forms create a theological structure: Paul praises the Philippians’ exclusive participation in gospel support using emphatic plural subjects, a carefully constructed genitive phrase of financial reciprocity, and a dative temporal marker.… Learn Koine Greek
Fellowship in Giving: Context of Philippians 4:15
Philippians 4:15 stands as a testament to the unique bond between the Apostle Paul and the church at Philippi. In this verse, Paul recalls how the Philippians were the only community to support him financially when he first set out from their region. Rather than a mere thank-you note, the passage serves as a profound reflection on partnership in the gospel0. Paul’s language is warm and theologically rich, illustrating that their monetary gift was not just charity but an expression of κοινωνία – fellowship and mutual participation in ministry. The very grammar of the sentence reinforces the Philippians’ singular devotion and Paul’s gratitude.… Learn Koine Greek
