Philippians 2:19-23

The Promise To Send Timothy, A Prime Example Of A True Servant (Philippians 2:19).

Paul's first example is of Timothy, the true servant, who is like-minded to Paul (or to Jesus Christ), in contrast with those who seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ. He is sending him in order to underpin the Philippian's spiritual state (‘who will truly care for your state'), and so that he can learn how they are going on (‘that I also may be of good comfort, when I know of your state'). He is seemingly not expecting Epaphroditus to return.

Analysis.

a But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state (Philippians 2:19).

b For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state (Philippians 2:20).

c For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:21).

b But you know the proof of him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 2:22).

a Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me (Philippians 2:23).

Note how in ‘a' he hopes to send Timothy, and in the parallel he is sending him to them forthwith. In ‘b' he is depicted as likeminded with Paul and a true carer, and in the parallel he is to Paul like a son who serves his father in the furtherance of the Gospel. Centrally in ‘c' this is in contrast with those who seek their own things rather than the things of Jesus Christ.