Philippians 2:19

“But. hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that. also may be of good comfort, when. know your state”

“I hope in the Lord Jesus”: This is. reminder that his plans were subject to the lordship of Jesus Christ. “To accentuate the idea of Christ's will and lordship and right of disposal over all the apostle's doings, intentions and expectations” (Muller p. 97). “By this he means that he wants his desire for Timothy to be consistent with whatever the Lord wills in the matter. Paul is keenly aware of the Lord's providential activity in his life and ministry” (Jackson p. 53). Compare with James 4:15.

“Shortly unto you”: Possibly as soon as the outcome of his trial becomes clearer. “That. also may be of good comfort, when. know your state”: “While his Philippian friends would doubtless be glad to have news of him, he was anxious to have news of them” (Bruce p. 91). Instead of focusing upon his own imprisonment, his mind is on the needs of others. Paul wants to hear about them, and he would rather have the Philippians be the "topic" of conversation, than his own situation. Remember, Timothy was. very valuable and encouraging worker for the Lord. Another man might have argued, “I need Timothy more than you do”.