Philippians 4:16

ὅτι κ. τ. λ. We are greatly inclined to take ὅτι here, as in Philippians 4:15, as dependent on οἴδατε. “Ye know … that at the beginning … that even in Thessalonica,” etc. Thessalonica was a city of far greater wealth and importance than Philippi. καί might, however, emphasise the fact that they began at once to support him. ἁπαξ κ. δίς is probably to be taken literally. Cf. Deuteronomy 9:13, λελάληκα πρὸς σὲ ἄπαξ καὶ δίς; 1Ma 3:30, εὐλαβήθη μὴ οὐκ ἔχει ὡς ἄπαξ καὶ δίς. It is interpreted in a more general sense by Lft [59]. and Wohl [60]. εἰς τ. χρείαν. εἰς should be read with most of the best authorities. It is probably used here in a semi-technical meaning often found in Papyri (see Dsm [61]., BS [62]., pp. 113. 115; NBS [63]., p. 23) and also in Paul, e.g., 1 Corinthians 16:1, τῆς λογίας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους; Romans 15:26, κοινωνίαν τινὰ ποιήσασθαι εἰς τοὺς πτωχούς. It describes the object of gifts, collections, etc., or the various items in an account which have to be met. This interpretation accords with the financial colouring of the passage.

[59] Lightfoot.

[60] Wohlenberg.

[61] Deissmann (BS. = Bibelstudien, NBS. = Neue Bibelstudien).

[62] Bibelstudien

[63] Neue Bibelstudien