Epaphroditus nearly died to bring the Philippian church's gift to Paul (2:25-30). But Paul never directly thanks them for the sacrificial offering. Instead of thanking them, he thanks God and congratulates his friends for doing well (4:14). The absence of a 'thank you' is intentional. In his context, a gift created a debt that had to be repaid. If he accepted the Philippians as sponsors, he would owe them honor and loyalty. He would be "in their pocket." So Paul refuses to sign the social contract. He will not commercialize their relationship. They are fellow saints, not giving units. Instead of keeping an account of what they've given to him, he maintains a ledger of the profit increasing in their account. He refuses to manipulate them to get more from them. Instead, he celebrates their spiritual maturity. Their generosity is transforming them to be like Christ, and he's excited to see them make a good return. Not only are they spiritually profitable, but Paul says their gift is "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." It's what priests say over the smoke of a burnt offering. So when this impoverished church scraped together funds to care for their friend in prison, God received their gifts as worship. Finally, Paul assures the Philippians that they are under God's care. Just as God has met his needs, he knows God will do the same for his friends. God's riches in glory are more than enough to not only save our souls but to give us our daily bread. In twenty years of ministry, I've written hundreds of thank you notes. But I've never written a note congratulating my donors for making a donation. It would feel presumptuous. Maybe that reluctance reflects a failure to trust God for my needs. When I think I need to get money from others, I can no longer see my fellow saints as priests standing in worship before God. "Thank you" acknowledges a donation, or subtly asks for more. But Paul is celebrating the spiritual growth he sees in his friends.