Note 8 at Phil. 4:14: Paul had just spoken that he was content whatever his circumstances were. But he hastens to add that the Philippians had done the right thing in giving towards his needs. The apostle John said, "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1 Jn. 3:17).

It is godly to give to those in need and especially to ministers who have been a blessing to you (see note 8 at Gal. 6:6, p. 1087). Paul certainly would have given to someone in his situation. But it wasn't necessary for Paul to have everything going according to God's perfect plan for him to be content.

Note 9 at Phil. 4:14: Notice that Paul calls his lack of having physical necessities an affliction. Poverty because of the gospel is an affliction (Ps. 22:24; Isa. 63:9; Mk. 4:17; 2 Cor. 8:2; Jas. 1:27).