Philippians 4:10-23

Paul rejoices in the Philippians tangible evidence of their concern for him. This is expressed by the gift they sent from Epaphroditus. It is described as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." Their gift to Paul was like incense going up to God. It brings back images of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The word used in v. 10 for concern is anathalete. "The verb anathalete refers to the springing into bloom of a bush or tree after a winter hiatus and does not suggest that their concern had ever died, only that circumstances were right to send help again after a considerable interim."
from Ben Witherington III, Friendship and Finances in Philippi (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity, 1994): 128.

By mentioning his thankfulness to the Philippians for their gift, he does not want them to think he is complaining. Rather, Paul is quite content. "The word rendered content (Gk. autarkes) was current in Stoicism to denote the ideal of the totally self-sufficient person. Paul uses it to express his independence of external circumstances. He was constantly conscious of his total dependence on God. He was not so much self-sufficient as 'God-sufficient'..."
from F. F. Bruce. Philippians, NIBC (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989): 150.

To further clarify Paul's contentment, he explains in verse 12 that he has experienced times of plenty and times of poverty; he has been in rags and riches; he has feasted and famished.

Paul's conclusion to all these different experiences is in verse 13. Paul says, " I can do all things..." However, this is not because he is Superman, or Mr. Perfect. The rest of the verse explains how Paul can approach life with this confidence that is not in himself. How can Paul do all things? "...through Christ..." The only means by which Paul is able to live a content, satisfied life in the midst of these various situations ("in any and every circumstance") is by means of relying on Christ. But who is Christ? Why do we rely on Him? Because He is "...the one who strengthens me." It is not a good protein bar that gives us real strength or a good regular workout at the gym or... Ultimately, the inner strength that Paul relies on is not his own, but Christ's.

4:15 - "The time he has in mind was the difficult period after he set out from Macedonia, more particularly, probably, after he had settled in Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 11:8,9 he says to the Corinthian Christians, 'I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed.' There is probably further reference to this help in Acts 18:5, where Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy return to Macedonia and join Paul in Corinth, enabling him to 'devote himself exclusively to preaching,' instead of spending part of his time in tentmaking as he had done for the first few weeks after his arrival in Corinth. Both in 2 Corinthians 11:8, 9 and Acts 18:5 'Macedonia' implies pre-eminently Philippi."
from F. F. Bruce. Philippians, NIBC (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989): 152-3

4:17 - "Once more, Paul cannot remain content with thanking the Philippians for their gift. He emphasizes that he is not grateful simply because they sent it to him but also because their sending it is a token of heavenly grace in their lives and, so to speak, a deposit in the bank of heaven that will multiply at compound interest to their advantage. They meant Paul to be the gainer from their generosity, and so indeed he is; but on the spiritual plane the permanent gain will be theirs."
from F. F. Bruce. Philippians, NIBC (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989): 154.

Regarding the reason Paul is thankful for the gift:
"...it did much more than help Paul defray expenses incurred. It testified to Paul that the gospel had taken root in the community and consequently, that his mission had been successful. The Philippians' gift was a testimony to Paul that his work, in spite of the implicit risk of failure, is proving fruitful."
from L. G. Bloomquist, The Function of Suffering in Philippians (Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1993): 190.

As much as Philippians 4:19 is an excellent verse, it is often quoted out of context. Paul does not say, "Don't worry, God will take care of me and supply all my needs." Rather he says, "Thank You for your generosity. And don't forget, while you are giving to me so that my needs are supplied, God will make sure and take care of you so that your needs are supplied also."

Verses 20-23 are a normal letter closing. Paul gives glory to God and sends his greetings to every believer at the church. Likewise, he includes the fact that those in "Caeser's household" also send their greetings. They are all one as members of the Body of Christ. Even as Paul has described unity in his letter to the Philippians, he wants them to realize that the believers in Rome are also part of the Church (universal) and are united with them in Christ's love. In verse 23, even as Paul opened the letter with "grace" he wants this to be his "last word" (not literally) to them.