Paul’s Gift from Philippi: Conventions of Gift Exchange and Christian Giving

This book is a study of Paul’s response to the financial help he received from the church in Philippi while he was a prisoner in Rome. It examines Philippians 4.10-20 in the light of Greek and Roman practices and language regarding the exchange of gifts and favors in society. Dr. Peterman concludes that gift exchange or social reciprocity permeated every level of society in Paul’s day, and that Paul’s seemingly ungracious response was an attempt to create a new, Christian attitude to gifts and to giving.