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, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)
Gr. euarestos, the word translated “acceptable” in Rom. 12:1.
Sacrifice.
See on ch. 2:17. Here “sacrifice” further describes the gifts given through Epaphroditus. These presents were a free-will offering, in grateful love to God and man (cf. Heb. 13:16). To do good to others out of a heart of love is to bring to God an acceptable sacrifice.
Odour of a sweet smell.
Similar expressions in the OT were used to describe the acceptable sacrifices that were offered to the Lord (see Gen. 8:21; Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). Here Paul is applying the metaphor to the gifts received from Philippi. Compare on Eph. 5:2.