But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
But.
Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
to send.
Philippians 2:23,25 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me…
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
that I.
Philippians 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: …
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
to send Timothy to you soon
Timothy was a trusted companion and co-worker of Paul, often sent on missions to support and strengthen early Christian communities (Acts 16:1-3). His role as a messenger highlights the importance of discipleship and mentorship in the early Church. Timothy's presence would provide encouragement and guidance, reflecting the communal and supportive nature of early Christian relationships.
that I also may be cheered
Paul's joy is closely tied to the well-being of the Philippian church. This reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where the spiritual health of one community affects the entire Church (1 Corinthians 12:26). It also shows Paul's pastoral heart and genuine care for the believers.
when I learn how you are doing
Paul's concern for the Philippians' spiritual state is evident. This phrase indicates the importance of communication and accountability within the Church. It also reflects the practice of sending letters and messengers to maintain connections between distant Christian communities, a common practice in the first-century Mediterranean world.
• Paul’s confidence isn’t grounded in personal plans but rests in Christ’s sovereign direction (Proverbs 3:5–6; James 4:15).
• By phrasing his intent “in the Lord,” he models for believers how every decision should be submitted to Jesus’ lordship (Romans 15:13).
• This hopeful tone flows from a steady trust that God orchestrates events for the good of His people (Romans 8:28).
• Timothy has proven himself a faithful coworker since joining Paul on the second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3).
• Paul’s desire to dispatch this “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) shows practical discipleship: he entrusts important ministry to younger leaders (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Timothy’s presence would strengthen the Philippian church, much like his earlier mission to Thessalonica encouraged that fellowship (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
• Paul expects personal joy from news of their spiritual health—evidence of his shepherd’s heart (2 Corinthians 11:28; Philemon 1:7).
• Scripture links a pastor’s joy with the faithfulness of the flock (Hebrews 13:17).
• Shared encouragement refreshes both messenger and recipient (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
• Paul looks for an update on their progress in the gospel, echoing his earlier gratitude for their partnership (Philippians 1:5-6).
• Believers’ perseverance becomes a source of deep satisfaction to those who invested in them (3 John 4; Colossians 1:3-4).
• The verse underscores healthy accountability within the body of Christ: mutual care, honest reporting, and continual growth (Ephesians 4:15-16).
Philippians 2:19 reveals Paul’s Christ-centered planning, his confidence in Timothy’s ministry, and his heartfelt longing for the Philippians’ welfare. Rooted in the Lord, he arranges practical help for the church and anticipates personal joy upon hearing of their steadfast faith, illustrating how genuine Christian leaders place the spiritual progress of others at the center of their hopes and plans.
(19-24) St. Paul takes occasion of a promise to send Timothy shortly, to give an emphatic commendation of him, and adds a hope that he may soon come to Philippi himself.(19) We note that here Timothy is spoken of in the third person; hence, though he is joined with St. Paul in the salutation (see Philippians 1:1), the Epistle is the Apostle's, and his alone. The same is the case in the First Epistle to the Thessalonians (comp. Philippians 1:1 with Philippians 3:2; Philippians 3:6).
That I also may be of good comfort.--The words express some anxiety, but greater confidence, as to the news which Timothy on returning was likely to bring. We have instances of a similar but far stronger anxiety of affection in 2Corinthians 2:13; 2Corinthians 7:6-7, and 1Thessalonians 3:1-9. In regard to the Philippians it might exist in detail, but was swallowed up in confidence on all main points. . . .
Verse 19. - But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you; read and translate, with R.V., I hope in the Lord Jesus. He had urged them, in Ver. 12, not to depend too much on human teachers; but "much more in nay absence work out your own salvation;" still he will give them what help he can - he will send Timotheus. In the Lord Jesus (comp. Philippians 1:8, 14; 3:24). Bishop Lightfoot has a beautiful note here: "The Christian is a part of Christ, a member of his body. His every thought and word and deed proceed from Christ, as the center of volition. Thus he loves in the Lord, he hopes in the Lord, he boasts in the Lord, he labors in the Lord. He has one guiding principle in acting and forbearing to act, 'only in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 7:39)."That I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. Timothy is both to assist the Philippians by his presence and counsel, and to comfort St. Paul by bringing back tidings of their Christian life.