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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Philippians 2:19 - 2:24
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Recommendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Paul's reason and object in sending Timothy:
v. 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.
v. 20. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
v. 21. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
v. 22. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel.
v. 23. Him, therefore, I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
v. 24. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
The entire paragraph is concerned with personal matters, as if Paul were hurrying to a close. His recommendation of Timothy shows the intimacy of the feeling between these two men, a cordial relation which the difference in age in no way affected: but I hope in the Lord Jesus quickly to send Timothy to you, in order that I may be refreshed in spirit, knowing your circumstances. Paul had the hope to God and his Lord Jesus that he might soon be able to send Timothy. He proves his communion with God by placing the entire course of his life in God's hands. Whatever God has ordained with regard to him he is willing to accept without grumbling. Yet his hope in this instance is all the more fervent because he wishes to be refreshed, to have his heart and spirit strengthened by receiving information regarding their state; their spiritual and physical welfare is a matter of deep concern to him. Timothy would return in a short time with news from the Philippians, and this, he hoped, would be of a nature to satisfy his heart. His reason for choosing Timothy for this mission he states: For I have none of the same mind who sincerely is anxious about your circumstances; all seek their own, not that of Jesus Christ. Timothy was equal-souled with Paul, and therefore felt the same pure, cordial interest in the Philippians as his teacher, since he was just as anxiously concerned about the work of Christ. Timothy's solicitude for the Philippians was genuine, sincere, just as Paul's was. Of the others, however, of the great majority, Paul was constrained to say that they had nothing of this unselfish devotion, that they, the members of this group, were all seeking their own ends, being interested only in promoting their selfish ambitions. That is a hard criticism and judgment. Paul does not say that these men deliberately and maliciously pervert the work of the Gospel, but they have some selfish motive; they are in danger of losing faith and a good conscience. This is true at all times and should prove a spur to all pastors to become free from all selfish motives and interests and to serve their Master, Christ, in singleness of heart.
To the Philippians Timothy was no unknown man: But his proof you know, for as a son to a, or his, father he has served with me in the Gospel. This man, therefore, I hope to send at once, when I see clearly how things will fare with me. The Christians of Philippi had had ample opportunity of observing Timothy and of judging his motives, the state of his mind and heart; they knew his approvedness. They knew that he had served by the side of the great apostle in the ministry of the Gospel as a loving son serves his father. This man, therefore, surely would be especially welcome to them, Paul intended to send him quickly, just as soon as he had definite information as to his own fate, how matters would turn out with regard to him. The decision of the imperial court might be expected any day, and the sending of Timothy would take place immediately thereafter, And Paul is expecting still more: I trust, however, in the Lord that I myself may come quickly. That firm confidence he has in the Lord that he will be able to come in person. He wants to follow Timothy just as soon as certain matters in Rome will have been disposed of. He wants to follow up his letter by a personal visit. Note that Paul always places the disposition of his life with all its vicissitudes into the hands of God, in childlike trust.