Bible Questions and Answers

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Paul was in prison (probably in Rome).

His hope was that the Lord Jesus would so order affairs as to permit him to send Timothy to find out how the Ecclesia at Philippi was doing.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Timothy was well known to the Philippians and concerned for their welfare as Paul was.

Paul had no one else with him upon whom he could rely.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

This is an indictment of the other Christians with Paul who were concerned about their own welfare.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

The Philippians knew Timothy because he had been with Paul when he went into Macedonia, of which Philippi was a chief city.

Timothy was not Paul’s son in the flesh but was Paul’s spiritual son in Christ.

He had accompanied Paul into Macedonia preaching the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Paul had been before a judge and was awaiting the verdict.

He intended to send Timothy to Philippi as soon as the verdict was known.

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

He was hoping for an acquittal which would mean that he would be free to travel again.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

In the meantime, he was sending this letter by the hand of Epaphroditus.

Epaphroditus had been sent from the ecclesia at Philippi with a gift (probably of money) to help with Paul’s expenses.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Epaphroditus had arrived from Philippi and had been seriously ill.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Mercifully he had recovered from his illness and was keen to return home.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Paul would feel happier when Epaphroditus was safely back home.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Paul commends Epaphroditus to the ecclesia

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

The Philippians lacked opportunity to serve Paul because of the great distance involved.

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn