I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:19
What does Philippians 2:19 mean?
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Philippians 2:19
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Paul places his ultimate hope not in his own plans or release, but in the sovereign Lord Jesus to orchestrate Timothy's visit. This "hope" isn't just wishful thinking; it's a deep trust that Jesus holds the ultimate control over circumstances, even Paul's imprisonment, and can direct Timothy to serve the Philippians for their good and Paul's comfort.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, while imprisoned, trusts that the Lord Jesus will allow him to send Timothy to the Philippians soon. This visit is intended to bring comfort and up-to-date news about their church’s spiritual condition back to Paul. He eagerly awaits this information, hoping it will cheer him as much as Timothy's presence will cheer them.
Paul was in prison, facing potential death. Yet, he writes with a strong sense of hope. Where did this confidence come from?
Paul anchors his hope not in his circumstances or his own plans, but squarely in 'the Lord Jesus.' This isn't a passive wish, but an active trust in Jesus' sovereign power and goodness. Even when facing the unknown – like his potential release or martyrdom – Paul believed Jesus was in control and would direct the path for him and his trusted companions, like Timothy.
This trust meant Paul wasn't simply reacting to his situation; he was actively collaborating with God's unfolding purposes. He believed Jesus could 'order affairs' to allow Timothy to travel, which was a profound statement of faith in Jesus' authority over all events.
Paul longed to hear about the Philippians. What does this reveal about the heart of a spiritual leader?
Paul's desire to send Timothy isn't just about logistics; it's deeply relational. He wants to know the 'state' of the Philippians – not just their worldly affairs, but their spiritual condition, their steadfastness in the faith, their love for one another, and how they are enduring any hardships. This reveals the profound care and deep affection gospel ministers have for the churches entrusted to them.
Paul's own comfort is linked to their well-being. He expresses a yearning to be 'cheered' by news of them. This highlights that a leader's joy is often found in the health and vitality of their spiritual family. It’s a reciprocal relationship where the leader offers guidance and support, and finds encouragement in the flock’s faithfulness.
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Kyrios Iesous · Greek Noun phrase
A title of Jesus Christ emphasizing His sovereignty, deity, and supreme authority over all creation and the lives of His followers. It serves as the foundation for the believer's hope and the source of their authority and mission.
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, separated from the Philippian believers and awaiting his trial. His desire to send Timothy reflects his deep care for their spiritual well-being and his own need for encouragement amidst uncertainty.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey to Macedonia
Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel through Macedonia, establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Timothy is first discipled by Paul during this period.
c. AD 50-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul revisits the churches in Macedonia, including Philippi. Timothy likely accompanies him, having been commissioned to serve with Paul.
c. AD 55
Paul's Imprisonment in Ephesus
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, during which Timothy is sent to the church in Corinth to help resolve issues there.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. He has sent Timothy away on another mission, but now hopes to recall him soon.
c. AD 62
Epaphroditus Arrives in Rome
Epaphroditus, a messenger from the Philippian church, arrives in Rome with a gift for Paul. He falls gravely ill but recovers.
This verse speaks of God perfecting, strengthening, and establishing believers after they have suffered a little while, echoing Paul's hope for the Philippians' well-being and his desire to be comforted by news of their steadfastness.
2 Corinthians 7:6-7Paul expresses similar deep concern and anxiety for the well-being of the Corinthian church, finding comfort when he receives reassuring news, much like his anticipation of comfort from Timothy's report from Philippi.
Acts 16:1-3This passage details Paul's first encounter with Timothy and his decision to take him along, setting the stage for Timothy's later role as a trusted companion and messenger, as highlighted in Philippians 2:19.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2Paul explicitly states he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians, showing a pattern of sending his trusted co-worker to ascertain and support the spiritual state of churches he cared deeply about.
Philippians 1:27Paul encourages the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, reflecting his deep concern for their 'state' and his desire for news that confirms their spiritual progress and unity in faith.
gillPhilippians 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."
But I trust in the Lord Jesus,.... Or "hope"; not in himself, his wisdom, will, resolutions, and purposes; nor in an arm of flesh, in any human aid and power; nor in princes, nor in Nero, the Roman emperor, as expecting a release from bonds by him, when he could the more easily part with Timothy; but in the Lord Jesus, in the Lord whom every tongue sh…
barnesPhilippians 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."
But I trust in the Lord Jesus - His hope was that the Lord Jesus would so order affairs as to permit this - an expression that no man could use who did not regard the Lord Jesus as on the throne, and as more that human. To send Timotheus shortly unto you - There was a special reason why Paul desired to send Timothy to them rather than any other person…
Paul places his ultimate hope not in his own plans or release, but in the sovereign Lord Jesus to orchestrate Timothy's visit. This "hope" isn't just wishful thinking; it's a deep trust that Jesus holds the ultimate control over circumstances, even Paul's imprisonment, and can direct Timothy to serve the Philippians for their good and Paul's comfort.
Paul, while imprisoned, trusts that the Lord Jesus will allow him to send Timothy to the Philippians soon. This visit is intended to bring comfort and up-to-date news about their church’s spiritual condition back to Paul. He eagerly awaits this information, hoping it will cheer him as much as Timothy's presence will cheer them.
Paul, while imprisoned, trusts that the Lord Jesus will allow him to send Timothy to the Philippians soon. This visit is intended to bring comfort and up-to-date news about their church’s spiritual condition back to Paul. He eagerly awaits this information, hoping it will cheer him as much as Timothy's presence will cheer them.
"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you." — Paul places his ultimate hope not in his own plans or release, but in the sovereign Lord Jesus to orchestrate Timothy's visit. This "hope" isn't just wishful thinking; it's a deep trust that Jesus ho…
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Last reviewed October 2026