The apostle's reference to his present sufferings (vv. 17-18) led him to tell the Philippians about his plans. He wanted to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to Philippi. He said things about those two faithful fellow workers that would assure their warm reception when they arrived. Paul's descriptions of them have lasting value because they were such good examples of men who possessed the mind of Christ. They were, therefore, true partners in the gospel.
"In this epistle every single reference Paul makes to another person is made in connection with that person's koinonia, his partnership in the gospel. Timothy and Epaphroditus, except for Paul himself, stand as the most prominent of these."88
2:19 Paul explained that his plan was subject to the will of God when he said that he hoped "in the Lord Jesus"to send Timothy shortly. The apostle alluded to his submission to the lordship of Christ frequently in this epistle (1:8, 26; 2:24, 29; 3:1, 3; 4:1, 10; cf. Rom. 14:14; 1 Cor. 7:39; 16:7; Phile. 22). These references were probably specially numerous in this epistle because of the indefiniteness of Paul's release.
The primary purpose of Timothy's visit was to learn the condition of the Philippian believers and to report that to Paul. This would enable Paul to pray for, minister to, and lay plans to help this church better.
2:20 Paul did not write these words to introduce Timothy to the Philippians. They knew him well.89Probably he wanted this glowing testimonial to give his original readers confidence that Timothy had their best interests at heart. Timothy would represent their situation to Paul accurately.
Probably Paul meant that he had no fellow worker with him then who would do a better job in this assignment than Timothy. Timothy consistently shared Paul's general outlook and specific concern for the welfare of the Philippians.
2:21 This must be a general statement. Paul had many fellow workers whose commitment to Jesus Christ was complete at this time one of whom was Epaphroditus. Paul would commend him shortly (vv. 25-30). Perhaps Paul was thinking of those local Roman Christians who were serving the Lord at least partially to advance their own reputations. He had referred to them previously (1:14-18). A believer who puts the interests of Christ before his or her own is still a rare individual (cf. 1:21).
2:22 In contrast to most believers, Timothy had demonstrated his worthiness as a servant of Christ and of Paul over more than 10 years.90He had served as the apostle's fellow worker and as his protégé. He had established a good reputation not only in Philippi but wherever he had served. Such a fine record stands a young servant of the Lord in good stead when others consider him for another ministry.
2:23 The verse begins "This one"in the Greek text, which draws attention to Timothy's qualifications. Paul hoped, the Lord willing, to send Timothy to Philippi with a report of the apostle's situation and plans as soon as he knew the result of his trial. Evidently Paul expected that a decision in his case would be forthcoming soon. Both for the love of the Philippian church and for the effectiveness of his ministry, Paul wanted his friends to know about his situation. In this he set us a good example.
2:24 Paul believed that he would receive his freedom and would be able to return to Philippi fairly soon (cf. 1:25). However, he qualified his hope with the realization that justice does not always prevail in legal courts. As mentioned previously, there is evidence that Nero did release Paul and that the apostle resumed his missionary work.
"The submissive mind is not the product of an hour's sermon, or a week's seminar, or even a year's service. The submissive mind grows in us as, like Timothy, we yield to the Lord and seek to serve others."91
