TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
But I hope in the Lord Yeshua to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I too may be cheered by knowing how you are doing.
Berean Standard Bible
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing.
American Standard Version
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
World English Bible Messianic
But I hope in the Lord Yeshua to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I trust in the Lord Iesus, to sende Timotheus shortly vnto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I knowe your state.
Young's Literal Translation
And I hope, in the Lord Jesus, Timotheus to send quickly to you, that I also may be of good spirit, having known the things concerning you,
See also
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In the KJVVerse 29,411 of 31,102
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Commentary on Philippians 2 verses 19–30
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.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
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.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Paul takes particular notice of two good ministers; for though he was himself a great apostle, and laboured more abundantly than they all, yet he took all occasions to speak with respect of those who were far his inferiors.
I. He speaks of Timothy, whom he intended to send to the Philippians, that he might have an account of their state. See Paul's care of the churches, and the comfort he had in their well-doing. He was in pain when he had not heard of them for a good while, and therefore would send Timothy to enquire, and bring him an account: For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state. Timothy was a non-such. There were, no doubt, many good ministers, who were in care for the souls of those for whom they preached; but none comparable to Timothy, a man of an excellent spirit and tender heart. Who will naturally care for your state. Observe, It is best with us when our duty becomes in a manner natural to us. Timothy was a genuine son of blessed Paul, and walked in the same spirit and the same steps. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only: with a willing heart and upright view, so agreeably to the make of his mind. Note, 1. It is the duty of ministers to care for the state of their people and be concerned for their welfare: I seek not yours, but you, Co2 12:14. 2. It is a rare thing to find one who does it naturally: such a one is remarkable and distinguished among his brethren. All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's, Phi 2:21. Did Paul say this in haste, as David said, All men are liars? Psa 116:11. Was there so general a corruption among ministers so early that there was not one among them who cared for the state of their people? We must not understand it so: he means the generality; all, that is, either the most, or all in comparison of Timothy. Note, Seeking our own interest to the neglect of Jesus Christ is a very great sin, and very common among Christians and ministers. Many prefer their own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty, the things of their own pleasure and reputation before the things of Christ's kingdom and his honour and interest in the world: but Timothy was none of these. - You know the proof of him, Phi 2:22. Timothy was a man who had been tried, and had made full proof of his ministry (Ti2 4:5), and was faithful in all that befell him. All the churches with whom he had acquaintance knew the proof of him. He was a man as good as he seemed to be; and served Christ so as to be acceptable to God, and approved of men, Rom 14:18. "You not only know the name of him, and the face of him, but the proof of him, and have experienced his affection and fidelity in your service," that, as a son with a father, he hath served with me in the gospel. He was Paul's assistant in many places where he preached, and served with him in the gospel with all the dutiful respect which a child pays to a father, and with all the love and cheerfulness with which a child is serviceable to his father. Their ministrations together were with great respect on the one side and great tenderness and kindness on the other - an admirable example to elder and younger ministers united in the same service. Paul designed to send him shortly: Him therefore I hope to send presently, as soon as I shall see how it will go with me, Phi 2:23. He was now a prisoner, and did not know what would be the issue; but, according as it turned, he would dispose of Timothy. Nay, he hoped to come himself (Phi 2:24): But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. He hoped he should soon be set at liberty, and be able to pay them a visit. Paul desired his liberty, not that he might take his pleasure, but that he might do good. - I trust in the Lord. He expresses his hope and confidence of seeing them, with a humble dependence and submission to the divine will. See Act 18:21; Co1 4:19; Jam 4:15; and Heb 6:3.
II. Concerning Epaphroditus, whom he calls his brother, and companion in labour, and fellow-soldier, his Christian brother, to whom he bore a tender affection, - his companion in the work and sufferings of the gospel, who submitted to the same labours and hardships with himself, - and their messenger, one who was sent by them to him, probably to consult him about some affairs relating to their church, or to bring a present from them for his relief for he adds, and who ministered to my wants. He seems to be the same who is called Epaphras, Col 4:12. He had an earnest desire to come to them, and Paul was willing he should. It seems, 1. Epaphroditus had been sick: They had heard that he had been sick, Phi 2:26. And indeed he was sick, nigh unto death, Phi 2:27. Sickness is a calamity common to men, to good men and ministers. But why did not the apostle heal him, who was endued with a power of curing diseases, as well as raising the dead? Act 20:10. Probably because that was intended as a sign to others, and to confirm the truth of the gospel, and therefore needed not be exercised one towards another. These signs shall follow those who believe, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover, Mar 16:17, Mar 16:18. And perhaps they had not that power at all times, and at their own discretion, but only when some great end was to be served by it, and when God saw fit. It was proper to Christ, who had the Spirit above measure. 2. The Philippians were exceedingly sorry to hear of his sickness. They were full of heaviness, as well as he, upon the tidings of it: for he was one, it seems, for whom they had a particular respect and affection, and thought fit to choose out to send to the apostle. 3. It pleased God to recover and spare him: But God had mercy on him, Phi 2:27. The apostle owns it is a great mercy to himself, as well as to Epaphroditus and others. Though the church was blessed at that time with extraordinary gifts, they could even then ill spare a good minister. He was sensibly touched with the thoughts of so great a loss: Lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow; that is, "Lest, besides the sorrow of my own imprisonment, I should have the sorrow of his death." Or perhaps some other good ministers had died lately, which had been a great affliction to him: and, if this had died now, it would have been a fresh grief to him, and sorrow added to sorrow. 4. Epaphroditus was willing to pay a visit to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick: "That when you see him again you may rejoice (Phi 2:28), that you may yourselves see how well he has recovered, and what reason you have for the thankfulness and joy upon his account." He gave himself the pleasure of comforting them by the sight of so dear a friend. 5. Paul recommends him to their esteem and affection: "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation: account such men valuable, who are zealous and faithful, and let them be highly loved and regarded. Show your joy and respect by all the expressions of hearty affection and good opinion." It seems he had caught his illness in the work of God: It was for the work of Christ that he was nigh to death, and to supply their lack of service to him. The apostle does not blame him for his indiscretion in hazarding his life, but reckons they ought to love him the more upon that account. Observe, (1.) Those who truly love Christ, and are hearty in the interests of his kingdom, will think it very well worth their while to hazard their health and life to do him service, and promote the edification of his church. (2.) They were to receive him with joy, as newly recovered from sickness. It is an endearing consideration to have our mercies restored to us after danger of removal, and should make them the more valued and improved. What is given us in answer to prayer should be received with great thankfulness and joy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–30. Public domain.
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Gaius Marius VictorinusAD 370
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.19
Because every act of ours must be referred to God so that it may be completed by God, he says, “I hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Philippians 9
He had said, "have fallen out unto the progress of the Gospel; so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard." Again, "Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith." By these words he strengthened them. Perchance they might suspect that his former words were spoken just to comfort them. What then? "I send Timothy unto you," says he; for they desired to hear all things that concerned him. And wherefore said he not, "that ye may know my state," but, "that I may know yours"? Because Epaphroditus would have reported his state before the arrival of Timothy. Wherefore further on he says, "But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother; but I wish to learn of your affairs. For it is likely that he had remained long time with Paul through his bodily weakness. So that he says, I wish to "know your state." See then how he refers everything to Christ, even the mission of Timothy, saying, "I hope in the Lord Jesus," that is, I am confident that God will facilitate this for me, that I too may be of good courage, when I know your state. As I refreshed you when ye heard the very things of me which ye had prayed for, that the Gospel had advanced, that its enemies were put to shame, that the means by which they thought to injure, rather made me rejoice; thus too do I wish to learn of your affairs, that I too may be of good courage when I know your state. Here he shows that they ought to rejoice for his bonds, and to be conformed to them, for they begat in him great pleasure; for the words, "that I too may be of good comfort," imply, just as you are.
Oh, what longing had he toward Macedonia! He testifies the same to the Thessalonians, as when he says, "But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season," etc. And here he says, "I hope to send Timothy" that I may "know your state," which is a proof of excessive care: for when he could not himself be with them, he sent his disciples, as he could not endure to remain, even for a little time, in ignorance of their state. For he did not learn all things by revelation of the Spirit, and for this we can see some reason; for if the disciples had believed that it were so, they would have lost all sense of shame, but now from expectation of concealment, they were more easily corrected. In a high degree did he call their attention by saying, "that I too may be of good comfort," and rendered them more zealous, so that, when Timothy came he might not find any other state of things, and report it to him. He seems to have acted in like sort in his own person, when he delayed his coming to the Corinthians, that they might repent; wherefore he wrote, "to spare you I forbare to come to Corinth." For his love was manifested not simply in reporting his own state, but in his desire to learn of theirs; for this is the part of a soul which has a care of others, which takes thought for them, which is always wrestling for them.
At the same time too, he honors them by sending Timothy. "What sayest thou? dost thou send Timothy? and wherefore?" Because "I have no one likeminded"; that is, none of those whose care is like mine, none who "will care truly for you." Had he then no one of those who were with him? No one likeminded, that is, who has yearnings and takes thought for you as I do. No one would lightly choose, he means, to make so long a journey for this purpose. Timothy is the one with me who loves you. For I might have sent others, but there was none like him. This then is that likemindedness, to love the disciples as the master loves them. "Who," says he, "will truly care for you," that is, as a father. "For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ," their own comfort, their own safety. This too he writes to Timothy. But why doth he lament such things as these? To teach us his hearers not to fall in like sort, to teach his hearers not to seek for remission from toil; for he who seeks remission from toil, seeks not the things that are Christ's, but his own. We ought to be prepared against every toil, against every distress.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Philippians 2:19, the Apostle Paul expresses his profound pastoral care for the Philippian church, articulating his intention to dispatch Timothy to them soon. This verse reveals Paul's deep reliance on the Lord Jesus for the successful execution of his plans and highlights his desire to receive personal reassurance and comfort regarding the spiritual and practical well-being of the believers, underscoring the interconnectedness and mutual encouragement within the early Christian community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs Personalization and Anticipation in this verse. By directly stating "I trust in the Lord Jesus" and "that I also may be of good comfort," Paul personalizes his pastoral concern, revealing his own emotional and spiritual investment in the Philippians' well-being. This intimate tone fosters a strong bond with his readers, making his subsequent instructions more impactful. The device of Anticipation is evident in his forward-looking statement, "when I know your state," which creates a sense of hopeful expectation. This anticipation not only reveals Paul's deep longing for news but also implicitly encourages the Philippians to live in a manner that would bring him "good comfort," thereby subtly reinforcing his earlier exhortations for unity and steadfastness. The choice of Timothy as the messenger also serves as a form of Metonymy, where the messenger stands for the message of care and connection itself.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:19 beautifully illustrates the New Testament emphasis on genuine, self-sacrificial pastoral care, modeled on Christ's humility. Paul's reliance on the Lord Jesus for the sending of Timothy underscores the divine orchestration of ministry and the necessity of trusting God's providence in all endeavors. This verse highlights the profound interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where the well-being of one member directly impacts the comfort and joy of another, fostering a spirit of mutual encouragement and shared burden. It also implicitly affirms the value of faithful co-workers and the importance of clear communication channels in maintaining the health and unity of the church, reflecting the practical outworking of the "mind of Christ" in daily ministry.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's earnest desire to send Timothy and his longing for news of the Philippians' "state" serves as a powerful model for genuine Christian community and leadership. It challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and cultivate a deep, empathetic concern for the spiritual and practical well-being of others in our faith communities. This involves actively seeking to understand their struggles, celebrating their triumphs, and praying for their perseverance. Just as Paul trusted the Lord to facilitate his plans, we are reminded to commit our own intentions and efforts to God, recognizing His sovereignty over all circumstances. Our comfort and joy should be intrinsically linked to the flourishing of our brothers and sisters in Christ, prompting us to be proactive in offering support, encouragement, and practical help. This verse inspires us to be faithful messengers of care and truth, willing to invest ourselves in the lives of others for the sake of the gospel and the mutual building up of the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Timothy so important to Paul, and why did Paul send him instead of going himself?
Answer: Timothy was incredibly important to Paul, often referred to as his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). He was a trusted companion, a diligent student of Paul's teachings, and a proven minister of the gospel. Paul sent Timothy because he himself was imprisoned, likely in Rome, and unable to travel. Timothy served as Paul's reliable emissary, capable of accurately representing Paul's heart and message, providing genuine pastoral care, and bringing back a trustworthy report. Paul explicitly states in Philippians 2:20-21 that he had no one else "like-minded, who will naturally care for your state," contrasting Timothy's selfless devotion with others who sought their "own things."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Philippians 2:19 primarily focuses on Paul's pastoral plans and personal reliance on Christ, it subtly points to Christ in its underlying principles. Paul's "trust in the Lord Jesus" is not a mere religious platitude but a deep conviction rooted in the person and work of Christ, whose humility and self-emptying are the very foundation of the chapter's preceding exhortation (Philippians 2:5-8). Paul's desire for the Philippians' "state" to bring him "good comfort" reflects the heart of Christ, who continually intercedes for and cares for His church, His body (Hebrews 7:25). Timothy, as Paul's faithful representative, becomes a type of Christ-like messenger, embodying the selfless service and genuine concern that the Lord Himself demonstrates for His people. Ultimately, the comfort Paul seeks from the Philippians' spiritual well-being is a foretaste of the ultimate comfort and joy found in Christ's completed work, where He will present His church blameless before the Father (Ephesians 5:27). Every act of pastoral care, every faithful messenger, and every instance of mutual encouragement within the church finds its source and ultimate fulfillment in the sacrificial love and ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).