In Extravagant Grace, Part 6 (Philippians 4:15–20), Stephen Davey calls Paul’s message “the most famous thank-you letter in church history.” Writing from prison, Paul thanks the Philippians for their faithful partnership and generosity, reminding them that their gifts were not mere money but spiritual investments that multiplied eternal reward. Their sacrificial giving stood out when other churches had forgotten Paul, and he assures them that their generosity was “a fragrant offering, acceptable and pleasing to God.” Davey emphasizes that God notices every act of giving and promises to meet believers’ needs “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Through illustrations and examples of missionary faithfulness, he shows that giving to gospel work is not loss but participation in God’s eternal economy. Paul’s doxology concludes the letter in worship: gratitude for God’s extravagant grace naturally overflows into glory “forever and ever—Amen.”
The Most Famous Thank-You Letter in Church History
Add to Favorites