Philippians 2:23

KJV

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Him {G3303}{G5126} therefore {G3767} I hope {G1679} to send {G3992} presently {G1824}, so soon as {G5613} I {G302} shall see {G542} how {G4012} it will go with me {G1691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I hope to send him just as soon as I see how things will go with me,

Berean Standard Bible

So I hope to send him as soon as I see what happens with me.

American Standard Version

Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's declaration in Philippians 2:23 reveals his immediate pastoral strategy for the church in Philippi, expressing his earnest desire to dispatch Timothy to them without delay. This intention, however, is contingent upon the resolution of his own legal circumstances in Rome, highlighting his profound reliance on divine providence even as he meticulously plans for the spiritual welfare of the believers. The verse underscores Paul's selfless leadership and Timothy's trusted role, showcasing a model of interdependent ministry driven by genuine concern for the Body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial bridge within Paul's practical instructions and commendations in Philippians 2. Immediately preceding it, Paul has just offered a glowing commendation of Timothy, presenting him as a sterling example of selfless service, contrasting him with others who sought their own interests rather than those of Christ Jesus ([Philippians 2:19-22](/philippians/2-19-22 "Paul's Commendation of Timothy")). Paul's desire to send Timothy is explicitly tied to his longing to receive news of the Philippians' welfare, demonstrating his deep pastoral concern. Following this verse, Paul shifts to discuss Epaphroditus, another faithful servant who risked his life for the gospel, thereby completing his triad of examples of Christ-like humility and service ([Philippians 2:25-30](/philippians/2-25-30 "Paul's Commendation of Epaphroditus")). Thus, Philippians 2:23 is integral to Paul's broader argument for unity and selfless living, exemplified by these faithful co-laborers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul writes Philippians from imprisonment, most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. His legal status was precarious, facing potential execution or release. The phrase "how it will go with me" directly refers to the outcome of his impending trial before Caesar. In the Roman legal system, trials could be protracted, and the outcome uncertain, making Paul's plans contingent. Sending trusted emissaries was a common practice for communication and administration in the ancient world, especially for leaders like Paul who were geographically constrained. Timothy, as Paul's long-standing and most trusted companion, was the ideal person for such a sensitive mission, capable of accurately assessing the situation in Philippi and bringing back a reliable report, a vital function in a time without instant communication.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the theme of **Pastoral Care and Concern**, as Paul, despite his own dire circumstances, prioritizes the spiritual health and well-being of the Philippian church. His desire for news reflects a shepherd's heart, echoing his broader commitment to the churches he founded, as seen in [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2_corinthians/11-28 "Paul's Daily Pressure of Concern for All the Churches"). The verse also highlights **Dependence on Divine Providence**, as Paul's plans are openly subject to God's will concerning his imprisonment, a theme he explores deeply in [Philippians 1:20-26](/philippians/1-20-26 "Paul's Dilemma: To Live or to Die for Christ"). Furthermore, it exemplifies **Selfless Leadership** and **Partnership in the Gospel**, with Paul willing to part with his most valuable assistant for the sake of the Philippians, and Timothy demonstrating his unwavering commitment to gospel ministry, embodying the humility Paul calls for in [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Paul's Exhortation to Humility and Selflessness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpízō'_):** From G1679, meaning "to expect or confide." Paul's use of "hope" here is not merely a wishful thought but a confident expectation rooted in his trust in God's providence and his understanding of Timothy's reliability. It signifies a strong desire coupled with a belief in the possibility of its fulfillment, reflecting a spiritual certainty even amidst earthly uncertainty.
* **presently (Greek, _exautēs'_):** From G1824, derived from "from that hour," meaning "instantly, immediately, straightway." This word emphasizes Paul's urgency and earnest desire for Timothy to be dispatched without delay. It conveys a sense of promptness, indicating that as soon as Paul's situation becomes clear, he intends for Timothy to depart swiftly, highlighting the importance of the mission to Philippi.
* **send (Greek, _pémpō'_):** From G3992, a primary verb meaning "to dispatch, especially on a temporary errand; also to transmit, bestow, or wield." This word underscores the deliberate and authoritative nature of Paul's action. He is not merely suggesting Timothy go, but actively planning to commission and dispatch him, signifying a formal and purposeful mission from Paul to the Philippian church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Him therefore I hope to send presently,"**: Paul explicitly states his intention to send Timothy ("Him") to the Philippians. The conjunction "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this plan to the preceding commendation of Timothy, indicating that because Timothy is such a faithful and selfless servant, he is the ideal choice for this mission. Paul's "hope" (G1679, _elpízō_) is a confident expectation, not a mere wish, reflecting his earnest desire and trust. The adverb "presently" (G1824, _exautēs_) emphasizes the immediacy and promptness with which Paul desires this sending to occur, as soon as circumstances permit.
* **"so soon as I shall see how it will go with me."**: This clause introduces the crucial contingency for Paul's plan. His ability to send Timothy is directly dependent on the outcome of his own legal situation. The phrase "how it will go with me" (G4012 _perí_ + G1691 _emé_) is an idiomatic expression referring to the resolution of his Roman imprisonment and trial. Paul's "seeing" (G542, _apeídō_) implies gaining full clarity or understanding of his circumstances, whether it be release, continued imprisonment, or even execution, which would then dictate the timing and nature of Timothy's mission. This reveals Paul's realistic assessment of his situation and his reliance on God's sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning. **Anticipation** is palpable, as Paul's plans are contingent on an uncertain future, creating suspense for the Philippian readers eager for news and a visit. The phrase "how it will go with me" functions as an **Idiom**, a common expression of the time referring to the outcome of one's legal or personal circumstances, particularly Paul's impending trial. This idiomatic language lends a sense of realism and personal vulnerability to Paul's communication. Furthermore, the entire statement is imbued with a strong **Pastoral Tone**, reflecting Paul's deep care and concern for the Philippian believers, even amidst his own struggles. His willingness to dispatch his most trusted companion underscores his selfless dedication to their welfare, a recurring theme throughout the epistle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:23 profoundly illustrates the interplay between human planning and divine sovereignty. Paul, a diligent and strategic missionary, articulates a clear plan for ministry, yet he holds it loosely, recognizing that its execution is entirely dependent on God's providential hand over his imprisonment. This posture of hopeful expectation combined with humble submission is a hallmark of biblical faith, demonstrating that genuine trust in God does not negate responsible planning but rather frames it within the context of His ultimate control. It also highlights the sacrificial nature of apostolic ministry, where personal comfort and companionship are willingly set aside for the greater good of the church and the advancement of the gospel.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "Do not boast about tomorrow")
* [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Paul's dependence on God's will for his return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's contingent plan in Philippians 2:23 offers a timeless lesson for believers navigating life's uncertainties. It teaches us the importance of making wise and prayerful plans, yet holding them with an open hand, recognizing that our ultimate trajectory is subject to God's sovereign will. In a world that often demands immediate answers and guaranteed outcomes, Paul models a patient trust, demonstrating that true faith allows for ambiguity regarding future events while maintaining steadfast commitment to God's purposes. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of selfless service, prioritizing the needs of others and the mission of the gospel even when our own circumstances are difficult or uncertain. It invites us to consider who we might "send" or what resources we might deploy for the benefit of the community, trusting that God will orchestrate the timing and the means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What plans am I currently holding with an open hand, trusting God's timing and sovereignty?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to send Timothy, even from prison, inspire me to prioritize the needs of others over my own comfort or convenience?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence when faced with uncertain outcomes in my own life or ministry?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "how it will go with me"?**

Answer: When Paul says "how it will go with me," he is referring to the outcome of his legal situation in Rome. At the time of writing Philippians, Paul was under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar. This phrase encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding his imprisonment: whether he would be released, continue to be imprisoned, or even face execution. His ability to travel or send Timothy was entirely contingent on this outcome. It's an idiomatic expression that signifies his personal circumstances and the legal judgment awaiting him, which he also discusses in [Philippians 1:20-26](/philippians/1-20-26 "Paul's hope in life or death").

**Why was Timothy so important to Paul that he would send him?**

Answer: Timothy was exceptionally important to Paul, serving as his most trusted and reliable co-worker in the gospel ministry. Paul had personally discipled Timothy, and Timothy had proven himself faithful, selfless, and genuinely concerned for the welfare of the churches, unlike some others who sought their own interests ([Philippians 2:20-21](/philippians/2-20-21 "Timothy's genuine care versus others' self-interest")). Timothy possessed a unique blend of spiritual maturity, pastoral sensitivity, and practical competence, making him the ideal envoy to assess the Philippians' situation and bring back an accurate report to Paul. He was, in essence, Paul's spiritual son and a vital extension of his ministry arm, as seen in [1 Corinthians 4:17](/1_corinthians/4-17 "Paul's sending Timothy to remind them of his ways").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Philippians 2:23 describes Paul's practical plans, it implicitly points to the ultimate example of selfless service and humble submission found in Jesus Christ, the very model Paul extols earlier in the chapter ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "The Kenosis Hymn")). Paul's willingness to send Timothy, even at personal cost, mirrors Christ's ultimate "sending" by the Father to accomplish redemption. Jesus, too, lived a life contingent on the Father's will, always submitting His plans to divine purpose, even to the point of death on a cross ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus came to do the Father's will") and [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane")). Paul's hope and trust in God's orchestration of his circumstances reflect the believer's call to walk by faith, looking to Christ as the author and perfecter of that faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith")). Thus, Paul's contingent plans are not merely human pragmatism but an outworking of a life transformed by the self-emptying love of Christ, demonstrating how Christ's example empowers believers to serve faithfully, even amidst uncertainty, always trusting in the Father's perfect timing and sovereign plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 22:3

And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, [and be] with you, till I know what God will do for me.

Philippians 2:19

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.