Philippians 2:19–24

2:19 Two things stand out in this verse: (1) Christ is Lord over Paul’s plans, and (2) Paul’s heart is bound up with the Philippians’ progress in the gospel. Paul’s discussion of his plans puts the lordship of Christ on display: “I hope in the Lord Jesus” to send Timothy. Jesus is Lord over every area of Paul’s life. Even in a seemingly “minor” matter like the sending of Timothy, Paul does not operate independently of Christ.

Second, the purpose clause shows that Paul’s joy is tied to the welfare of the Philippians and the progress of the gospel among them, not his own welfare. Paul never leaves his central concern in this letter: the spread of the gospel among the Philippians.

2:20 Verses 19 and 20 share a specific phrase tying this discussion back to the main point of the letter (1:27) and the parallel point from Paul’s update (1:12). Perhaps my own translation will highlight the parallels:

I want you to know, brothers, that the things according to me [ta kat’ eme] have really served to advance the gospel. (1:12)

I may hear the things concerning you [ta peri hymōn] that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. (1:27)

I hope in the Lord to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by the things concerning you [ta peri hymōn]. (2:19)

For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for the things concerning you [ta peri hymōn]. (2:20)

Just as they received an update from Paul of his standing firm for the spread of the gospel despite his suffering (1:12), so he wants to hear of their standing firm in the gospel despite their suffering (1:27). Now he tells them that he is sending Timothy to receive such a report so that he can rejoice because of their progress in the gospel (2:19). Paul can confidently send Timothy because he knows Timothy shares with him the heart and mind of Christ. He, like Paul, is genuinely concerned for the Philippians.

2:21 Paul contrasts Timothy’s uniqueness with others’ inclination to seek their own interests. Here again is my own translation:

Timothy is genuinely concerned for the things concerning you [ta peri hymōn]. (2:20)

All others seek the things of themselves [ta heautōn]. (2:21)

This selfishness plagues all of humanity. Paul’s reference to “all” who seek their own interests also takes the reader back to the situation Paul himself faces in Rome, where some preach Christ out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition (Phil. 1:15, 17).

2:22 Paul testifies to Timothy’s “proven worth.” Paul has had plenty of opportunities to see Timothy’s character. Time and again Timothy has passed the test and shown proven gospel character and displayed the mind of Christ. The Philippians would already “know” Timothy’s proven character because he was with Paul as part of the original church planting team in Philippi (Acts 16:1–40).

Paul also gives a tender explanation for why Timothy shares Paul’s heart for the Philippians. The expression “like father, like son” captures their united heart for the Philippians. Timothy has a special kinship to Paul. This family language conveys intimacy and affection, but it also says much more. The “father/son” imagery adds a note of apprenticeship or discipleship. In the ancient world a son would learn the family craft side by side with his father. The Philippians should accept Timothy because he has been well trained and tested at the side of his spiritual father in the family craft of the cause of Christ.

This verse also contains a crucial principle for gospel partnership: Paul does not elevate himself above his coworkers. It is not one gospel minister at the top calling the shots, with everyone else obeying and falling in line. Timothy does not serve Paul but serves “with” Paul.

2:23–24 Verse 23 uses a Greek word (oun) that signals a conclusion (“therefore”). Because of Timothy’s uniqueness and proven worth and their shared heart for the Philippians, therefore Paul is eager to send him to Philippi. The only thing delaying the sending is Paul’s need for more precise knowledge of “the things concerning me” (ta peri eme). Paul may be released from prison, or he could be poured out as a drink offering in death (2:17–18).

Paul concludes this section by expressing his confident trust in the Lordship of Christ. He “hope[s] in the Lord” (v. 19) to send Timothy and “trust[s] in the Lord” (v. 24) that he himself may come soon. All of Paul’s plans are placed under the sovereign rule and care of Jesus.