Communication wasn't as easy in those days as it is now (sometimes it is too easy!), and the Philippians had been unable to contact Paul for some reason. However, contact had been resumed and they were able to express their concern for him.
Paul had learnt the secret of being content in all circumstances. He knew what it was to be in need and what it is to have plenty. There were times when he was hungry and in want, at other times he had plenty. But he had learned how to be content in all situations and in all situations to live in Christ's strength.
This has many lessons for us in regard to some so-called prosperity teaching. The notion that if we have enough faith we will always be materially well off is simply wrong. It was not true of Paul, and I doubt any of us can claim to have anywhere near as much faith as he had.
But there is a prosperity that we have and should seek more and more of, and that is to live for Christ, to do the work of Christ, to know Christ and to know the joy of the Lord in all circumstances. And there are times when there will be direct material and financial blessings. We have a source of strength and supply that the world knows nothing of, that no circumstances or attacks can remove.
We are wrong if we put undue emphasis on financial blessing, but we are equally wrong if we think that God will not (or should not!) bless or help us financially. We should look at the life of Paul and see how things worked out in his life and seek to imitate him.
In all situations we can be more than conquerors.
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