Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 4:18

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full , having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you , an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God .

He further testifies his Thankfulness from the effect their gratuity had upon him, by three words here which declare the same thing, viz. that he was abundantly sa[illegible: 2 letters]sfied; having all that he could wish, even enough and more, so that he did not expect any thing more,

Than what he had already received by their faithfull Messenger Epaphroditus.

Which he further commends from its great acceptableness to God in allusion to the sweet odours in the Sacrifices that God himself took pleasure in▪ Lev. 2.1, 2. & 3.16. Heb. 13.16. So that that present God himself would accept through Christ, as if it had been offered to himself, 1 Pet. 2.5. 'Tis true, the Socinians to lessen the meritoriousness of Christ's Sacrifice of himself, which the Apostle mentions, Eph. 5.2. with respect to, Gen. 8.21. would by this Text corrupt that: but the truth is, it hath nothing like with that, for the benevolence and gratuity of the Philippians is said by Paul to be an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, &c. but it is not said, that the Philippians themselves did give themselves an odour of a sweet smell as it is said, Christ gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savour; which being once offered for all, was sufficient to take away sin, Heb. 10.10, 12. And therefore their reasoning is fallacious from that parity they suggest. Tis true, Believers and their good works are as sweet odours, Rom. 12.1. acceptable but in Christ, 1 Pet. 2.5. because they please God onely for him, for his sake and merit. But Christ because he doth appease God himself, who smells a savour of rest in his Sacrifice, which all others under the Law did but shadow, receiving their efficacy from his: Christ did it by himself, Believers and their services are onely acceptable in him.

Marginal references: Or, I have received all.; 2 Cor. 9.12.