Philippians 2:24

KJV

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I trust {G3982} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962} that {G3754} I {G2064} also {G2532} myself {G846} shall come {G2064} shortly {G5030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I am confident in the Lord that before long I myself will come too.

Berean Standard Bible

And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

American Standard Version

but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 2:24, the Apostle Paul expresses his confident expectation that, by the Lord's will, he himself will soon be able to visit the Philippian church. This declaration follows his plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus, revealing Paul's deep pastoral affection and his unwavering trust in God's sovereign control over his circumstances, even while imprisoned, as he anticipates a swift reunion with the believers he dearly loves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 2:24 concludes a significant section where Paul has been exhorting the Philippians to unity and humility, exemplified by Christ's self-emptying love in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "The Christ Hymn"). Following this profound theological foundation, Paul transitions to practical matters concerning his immediate plans and pastoral care for the church. He first announces his intention to send Timothy, his trusted spiritual son, to ascertain their welfare and bring him news ([Philippians 2:19-23](/philippians/2-19-23 "Paul's Plan to Send Timothy")). Immediately after this, Paul states his personal hope for a visit, which is then followed by his discussion of Epaphroditus, whom he is sending back to Philippi due to his illness and the Philippians' concern ([Philippians 2:25-30](/philippians/2-25-30 "Epaphroditus's Ministry and Return")). Thus, verse 24 serves as a bridge, connecting Paul's delegation of others with his personal longing for direct fellowship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing this epistle from prison, most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. His imprisonment was a significant challenge, limiting his physical freedom and ability to travel. Despite these constraints, Paul remained deeply engaged in the life of the churches he founded, communicating through letters and trusted messengers. The Philippian church held a special place in Paul's heart, being the first church he established in Europe ([Acts 16](/acts/16 "Paul's Ministry in Philippi")). They had consistently supported him financially and emotionally, even sending Epaphroditus to minister to him in prison. Paul's desire to visit them personally, despite his precarious situation, underscores the strong bonds of affection and partnership that existed, reflecting the importance of personal presence and fellowship in early Christian communities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Philippians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights **Paul's unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and providence**, even amidst imprisonment, demonstrating that his plans are ultimately submitted to the Lord's will. It powerfully illustrates **Paul's deep pastoral care and commitment** to the churches, showing his longing for genuine fellowship and continued spiritual nourishment of the believers, a theme evident throughout his epistles (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 2:17-18](/1_thessalonians/2-17-18 "Paul's Desire to See the Thessalonians")). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Christian fellowship and mutual encouragement**, emphasizing the value Paul placed on personal relationships within the body of Christ, which is a significant aspect of the joyful tone of the entire letter to the Philippians.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Greek, _peíthō_):** This verb signifies to convince, to persuade, or to be persuaded. In the context of "I trust in the Lord," it conveys a deep sense of confident assurance, a settled conviction, and reliance based on inward certainty rather than mere hope or wishful thinking. Paul's trust is not a vague optimism but a firm belief in God's ability and faithfulness to orchestrate his circumstances.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term denotes supreme authority and control, often used to refer to God or, more specifically in the New Testament, to Jesus Christ as the sovereign Master. When Paul states his trust "in the Lord," he is grounding his expectation in the ultimate authority and power of God, specifically the resurrected Christ, who governs all things, including Paul's release and travel.
* **shortly (Greek, _tachéōs_):** This adverb means "speedily," "quickly," or "soon." It expresses Paul's earnest desire for a swift resolution to his imprisonment and a rapid return to Philippi. It underscores his eagerness and longing for an immediate reunion, indicating the urgency and importance he placed on this personal visit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I trust in the Lord":** This phrase establishes the foundation of Paul's expectation. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a slight contrast or continuation from the previous thought, shifting from sending Timothy to Paul's personal plans. Paul's "trust" (G3982, _peíthō_) is not in human machinations or favorable legal outcomes, but solely "in the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_), signifying his complete dependence on God's sovereign will and power to bring about his desired visit. It speaks to a deep, settled conviction in divine providence.
* **"that I also myself shall come":** Here, Paul states the object of his trust: his own personal arrival. The inclusion of "I also myself" (G2532, _kaí_ G846, _autós_) emphasizes his personal desire and intention to visit, not just to send others. The verb "shall come" (G2064, _érchomai_) indicates a definite future action, reflecting his confidence that this visit will indeed occur, facilitated by the Lord.
* **"shortly":** This adverb (G5030, _tachéōs_) specifies the desired timing of his visit. Paul is not merely hoping for a future visit, but for one that is imminent and without delay. This reveals his eagerness and the urgency of his pastoral heart to be reunited with the Philippian believers, to offer encouragement, and to continue his ministry among them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Personal Pronoun Usage** to emphasize Paul's direct involvement and deep personal desire ("I also myself"). This highlights his intimate connection with the Philippians and his longing for direct fellowship, distinguishing his personal visit from the missions of Timothy and Epaphroditus. There is also an element of **Anticipation** conveyed through the word "shortly," which creates a sense of eagerness and hope for a swift reunion. This reflects Paul's enduring optimism and faith, even in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, the phrase "I trust in the Lord" serves as a powerful **Statement of Faith**, grounding Paul's human desires and plans firmly in divine sovereignty, a recurring motif in his epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in Philippians 2:24 is a testament to his profound theological understanding of God's sovereignty and his unwavering commitment to pastoral ministry. His trust in the Lord for his personal visit underscores that all Christian endeavors, even those born of deep affection and spiritual necessity, are ultimately subject to divine will and timing. This posture of humble reliance on God, rather than on personal strength or favorable circumstances, is a hallmark of Paul's theology, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership flows from a heart submitted to the Master. It also highlights the intrinsic value of Christian fellowship, not merely as a social gathering but as an essential component of spiritual health and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Romans 1:10](/romans/1-10 "Paul's Desire to Visit Rome")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:17-18](/1_thessalonians/2-17-18 "Paul's Eagerness to See the Thessalonians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's hopeful expectation in Philippians 2:24 provides a powerful model for believers navigating their own plans and desires. It teaches us to hold our aspirations, even the most noble and spiritually beneficial ones, with an open hand, submitting them to the sovereign will of God. Paul's trust in the Lord, despite his imprisonment and uncertain future, reminds us that our hope is not rooted in external circumstances but in the faithful character and omnipotence of God. This verse encourages us to cultivate a similar posture of confident reliance, believing that God is at work even when we cannot see the path clearly. Furthermore, Paul's deep longing for personal fellowship with the Philippians underscores the irreplaceable value of Christian community. In an increasingly isolated world, his example calls us to prioritize genuine connection, mutual encouragement, and shared spiritual journey with fellow believers, recognizing that our presence and interaction can be a profound source of blessing and strength for one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What plans or desires am I currently holding onto that I need to surrender more fully to the Lord's will and timing?**
* **How does Paul's trust in the Lord, despite his imprisonment, challenge or encourage my own faith when facing uncertain or difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally prioritize and cultivate genuine fellowship and personal connection within my own Christian community?**

### FAQ

**Did Paul actually visit Philippi after writing this letter?**

Answer: While the New Testament does not explicitly record a subsequent visit to Philippi by Paul after his Roman imprisonment, there is strong historical and traditional evidence to suggest he did. After his first Roman imprisonment (from which he was likely released), Paul undertook further missionary journeys. The Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) indicate Paul's continued travels and ministry in the region of Macedonia, which included Philippi. For example, [Philippians 1:25-26](/philippians/1-25-26 "Paul's Expectation to Remain") and [Philemon 1:22](/philemon/1-22 "Paul's Hope for Release") express his expectation of release and future travel, suggesting his hope in [Philippians 2:24](/philippians/2-24 "Paul's Hope to Visit Philippi") was indeed fulfilled. Early church tradition and scholarly reconstruction of Paul's post-imprisonment ministry generally affirm that he did make a second visit to Macedonia, including Philippi, before his final imprisonment and martyrdom in Rome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's confident trust in the Lord for his personal return to Philippi, despite his imprisonment, profoundly reflects a Christ-centered perspective. His hope is not in a vague deity or impersonal force, but in "the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_), a title frequently applied to Jesus Christ, signifying His supreme authority and active governance over all circumstances. Paul understands that his life, ministry, and even his freedom are entirely subject to the sovereign will of the resurrected Christ, who is the Head of the Church and orchestrates all things for His glory and the good of His people ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ as Head of the Church")). Just as Christ Himself submitted to the Father's will even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience")), Paul models a life of absolute reliance on Christ's providential care. His desire for reunion with the Philippian believers also foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fellowship believers will experience with Christ Himself at His glorious return ([1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "Caught Up to Meet the Lord")). Thus, Paul's personal hope for a "shortly" return is an earthly reflection of the greater, assured hope of Christ's triumph and the eternal fellowship He secures for His own.

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

Philemon 1:22

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

3 John 1:14

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Philippians 1:25

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Philippians 1:26

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

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.

Romans 15:28

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

Romans 15:29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.