Philippians 4:17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Cross-references
In Philippians 4:11, Paul's learned contentment explains why he doesn't seek the gift—he is self-sufficient in Christ.
In Philippians 1:11, the same letter speaks of 'fruit of righteousness'—parallel to the fruit Paul wants to increase to their account.
Matthew 10:40-42 promises reward for supporting God's servants — the Philippians' gift to Paul similarly earns them heavenly credit.
In Jude 1:11, Balaam's error for the sake of gain is condemned—a direct contrast to Paul's selfless motive for the Philippians' account.
In 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam loved gain from wrongdoing—contrasting Paul's desire for the Philippians' spiritual fruit, not material gain.
In 2 Peter 2:3, false teachers exploit for greed—contrasting Paul who does not seek the gift but the giver's spiritual profit.
Hebrews 6:10 assures God does not overlook love shown to the saints — the Philippians' gift is remembered and credited.
Titus 3:14 also links good works to fruitfulness — believers giving to meet needs produce fruit, just as the Philippians' gift yields credit.
In Acts 20:34, Paul's self-supporting labor shows he doesn't rely on gifts, aligning with his focus on their fruit.
In Acts 20:33, Paul testifies he never coveted possessions, reinforcing his disinterest in the gift here.
Proverbs 19:17 says lending to the poor is lending to God, who repays — echoing the spiritual credit Paul describes for their gift.
Matthew 25:34-40 teaches that serving Christ's people is serving him, rewarded — the Philippians' gift to Paul is such service.
Luke 14:12-14 promises repayment at the resurrection for giving without earthly return — aligning with Paul's 'fruit to your credit'.
Acts 20:35 records Paul's saying that it is more blessed to give than receive—the principle behind his desire for their spiritual profit.
Luke 6:38 promises abundant return for generosity—Paul's assurance that the Philippians' gift will yield spiritual profit.
In 2 Corinthians 12:14, Paul seeks not what is yours but you—mirroring his statement here that he seeks the fruit for them, not the gift.
2 Corinthians 9:10 speaks of God multiplying seed and increasing harvest of righteousness, directly paralleling Paul's desire for their fruit to increase.
In 2 Corinthians 8:10, Paul states that giving benefits the giver—same principle that the gift's fruit accrues to the Philippians' credit.
Romans 1:13 uses the same 'fruit' metaphor for Paul's ministry results—mirrors his desire for fruit from the Philippians' gift.
In 1 Corinthians 9:12-15, Paul declines support to avoid hindering the gospel—parallel to his emphasis on spiritual fruit over gain.
In 2 Corinthians 9:9, generosity leads to enduring righteousness—parallel to the spiritual profit Paul seeks for the Philippians' account.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Paul denies greed—consistent with his claim here that he seeks their fruit, not the gift.
In 1 Peter 5:2, elders are warned against serving for dishonest gain—contrasting Paul's motive of seeking spiritual profit for the giver.
In Romans 15:28, Paul delivers a collection for the saints—parallel context of financial gifts with spiritual purpose.
In John 15:16, Jesus appoints disciples to bear fruit that abides—parallel to Paul's pursuit of lasting spiritual fruit for the Philippians.
In John 15:8, bearing fruit glorifies God and proves discipleship—parallel to Paul's desire for fruit that benefits their account.
In 1 Timothy 3:3, an overseer must not love money—Paul's attitude in Philippians 4:17 exemplifies this quality.
In 1 Timothy 6:10, love of money is condemned—Paul's disinterest in the gift shows he avoids that evil.
In Titus 1:7, an overseer must not be greedy for gain—Paul's motive in Philippians 4:17 demonstrates this character.
John 15:5 teaches that abiding in Christ bears much fruit—Paul's desire for spiritual fruit from their giving aligns with this principle.
1 Corinthians 15:58 assures that labor in the Lord is not vain, echoing Paul's point that their giving yields eternal fruit and credit.