Philippians 2:19-24
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.
Introduction
Philippians is foremost, a letter expressing his love for this Body of Believers.
Paul prays that their love toward each other abounds more and more, and that their knowledge of God increases.
Paul lets them know that he expects to be delivered from his chains.
He urges them to stand firm in unity, in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith (1:27) to
make his joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit and intent on one purpose (PHP 2:2)-to
Make up their mind to strive, to exert your will to be in unity.
Paul urges them that they should keep working out their own salvation by continually cooperating with the Holy Spirit in being saved from the power of sin.
Visitors
The church at Philippi is going to have three visitors. Timothy (vs. 19-23), Paul himself (vs. 24), and Epaphroditus (vs. 25-30)
Paul wrote to the Philippians about having the mind of Christ, about looking after the interests of others, about unity, and about walking in humble obedience because the Philippians were struggling in these areas.
Paul’s chief concern is the progress of the Gospel in Philippi
Timothy
Timothy has an important two-fold mission to complete at the church at Philippi.
- to check on the progress of the gospel in Philippi.
- To bring back a good report of the Philippians progress in furthering the gospel back to Paul
Letter of Recommendation
Verses 20-22 of Philippians chapter 2 are like a letter of recommendation for Timothy from Paul to the Philippians.
Paul reminds the Philippians that they know Timothy, and his worth, his character has been proven to them.
Timothy will get to be the one to bring the news of how Paul’s imprisonment concluded.
Paul
Paul trusts in the Lord that he himself will be coming shortly.
Paul wants to cooperate with God’s will.
The Philippians know that Paul has once again demonstrated his love for them through this sacrifice, his willingness to remain despite wanting to depart.