Sending Timothy to the Philippians (Philippians 2:19–24)

In the second part, the Apostle speaks: 1) of his intention to send Timothy to the Philippians shortly (Phil. 2:19–24); and 2) of sending Epaphroditus back to them (Phil. 2:25–30).

1) Sending Timothy to the Philippians (Phil. 2:19–24)

Phil. 2:19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your circumstances.

“I trust to send shortly.” — This shows that the preceding words, “even if I am being poured out as a drink offering,” were not said by the Apostle with reference to his present imprisonment or a death that threatened him, but in a general sense, denoting the hardships, difficulties, and persecutions that accompanied his preaching. And his present mention of the intention to send Timothy to them is not in order to dispel the anxiety that those words about being poured out might have caused—by suggesting that the Apostle’s life was in danger—but because it followed naturally in the course of the Epistle.

“I trust in the Lord Jesus.” “See how he relates all things to Christ—even the sending of Timothy. By this he said: I am confident that God will help me” (St Chrysostom). His inner sense could also assure him of this, for the Apostles were led in the most immediate way by the Spirit of God, who directly imparted to their hearts what was necessary. This confidence too was thus given, and the Apostle expresses it without wavering—for he knew how to distinguish his own surmises from the indications of the Spirit.

The purpose of sending him: “so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your circumstances.” To be encouraged—to be at peace regarding someone. Epaphroditus will tell you about me; but who will tell me about you? Epaphroditus at least reported something; yet he was ill here for a considerable time, and until he makes his way back to you, and until you yourselves manage to send word—much time will pass. I cannot remain so long without news of you. This silence will trouble me. Therefore I will send Timothy to you: he will bring you news of my coming release or of its already having been granted, and will bring me from you reliable tidings of what is happening among you, so that I may be at peace regarding you. — “Oh, how tender a love he had for Macedonia! It is a sign of the greatest care that, being unable to come quickly himself, he sends a disciple—unwilling to remain in ignorance of what was happening among them even for a short time” (St Chrysostom).

In saying “so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your circumstances,” the Apostle expresses confidence that Timothy will bring him comforting news. Knowing that what gladdened the Apostle was not so much outward prosperity as inward order and progress in the Christian life, the Philippians should have taken from these words a prompt “to be more attentive to themselves and more diligent” (St Chrysostom)—so that the news, instead of bringing encouragement, would not bring the deepest anxiety to their beloved Apostle. Herein lies the wisdom of a teacher: to keep the attention and zeal of those he teaches in constant readiness.

Phil. 2:20. For I have no one like-minded who will sincerely care for your state.

“He explains why he is sending Timothy: because no one can act so faithfully in the spirit of the Apostle as he can, and because he is close to the Philippians, sincerely disposed toward them, and cares for their good. ‘Like-minded’—no one has so assimilated the spirit of the Apostle as he; and in his disposition toward the Philippians he is no less than the Apostle himself. ‘Like-minded,’—that is, caring and concerned for you just as I am. Another, he says, would not so readily resolve, for this reason, to make so long a journey. But Timothy loves you as I do. Others could be sent, but no one like him: ‘who will sincerely care for your state’—that is, with the care of a father” (St Chrysostom).

Phil. 2:21. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

“All”—not all believers in general, but all those whom he might have sent. It is probable that of those who accompanied him, none remained with him at the time except Timothy; and among the local believers, though there were some who were especially devoted to the Apostle, they were still young in the spiritual life. “Seek their own”—that is, they had not yet risen to complete self-denial—so as to be ready to sacrifice everything for the work of the gospel: rest, property, and life. St Chrysostom defines them as seeking “their own ease and safety.” “Not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” That which is pleasing to the Lord encompasses a broad realm—all of life in all its manifestations. Those who were with the Apostle undoubtedly did everything they could do diligently in their own place; but they lacked the strength to resolve upon such an obedience as this because of self-sparing. This is what the Apostle sets forth—as a commendation of Timothy and as a lesson for us all: that if we genuinely resolve to seek “the things which are of Christ,” we “must be ready for every labor, for all that is burdensome” (St Chrysostom).

Phil. 2:22. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he has served with me in the gospel.

“Proven character”—both experience and tried faithfulness. The Apostle conveys that he can be relied upon in all things. Whatever he may say, receive it as though I myself were speaking; and whatever you pass on to him, do so freely—it will be the same as passing it on to me. He says “you know,” yet considered it necessary to mention this, in order to let them know that Timothy is still the same and still stands in the same relationship to him. They knew how he had served St Paul until the last time the Apostle visited them, just before his imprisonment; but what had happened since, they did not know. The Apostle tells them: he is the same as ever; as he then labored with me in the gospel, as a son with a father, so he continues to act now. It would not be surprising if St Paul here also has in mind Timothy’s particular labors in proclaiming the gospel within Rome itself.

Having thus held Timothy up in such a favorable light before the Philippians, the Apostle Paul goes on to say:

Phil. 2:23. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how things go with me.

It is he whom I hope to send. By sending Timothy, the Apostle both testifies to his most heartfelt love for the Philippians and does them honor (St Chrysostom). “As soon as I see how things go with me”—“that is, when I see what my situation will be and what outcome my affairs will have” (St Chrysostom). “It is evident that he had not yet fully escaped the first danger” (blessed Theodoret). “I am awaiting, he says, what verdict will be pronounced on me in court” (St John of Damascus). Yet it is clear that he expected a favorable outcome. This is why he added:

Phil. 2:24. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

“I am sending Timothy not because I myself will not come, but so that I may be encouraged upon learning of your circumstances, and so as not to remain in ignorance during this interval. As for coming myself—I still hope to do so” (St Chrysostom). “I trust in the Lord.” “He knew through the Holy Spirit that his first imprisonment would end favorably and that he would soon receive his freedom” (St John of Damascus). In the Apostle’s assurance there is no trace of wavering. He was confident that he would be released from his bonds and would direct his path so as to visit the Philippians as well. He speaks of this in order to keep them in a constant state of keen attentiveness toward himself. Now they await Epaphroditus; when he comes, they will await Timothy and prepare to receive him in such a way that he could in good conscience bring favorable news of them to the holy Apostle; after Timothy’s return, they will await St Paul himself—which will call for an even greater degree of attentiveness. Herein lies the wisdom of a guide: to sustain those he guides in strict attentiveness to themselves.