Philippians 2:19-23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul's hope isn't just about receiving good news, but about his own emotional well-being ("that I too may be of good comfort"). He's not just looking for an update; he's yearning for the spiritual refreshment that news of their faithfulness brings to his own soul.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, currently under house arrest in Rome, expresses his deep care for the Philippian church and his hope to send Timothy to check on them soon. This message comes after he has just heard about the illness of Epaphroditus, a messenger from Philippi, and is sending him back with this very letter. Paul's desire to send Timothy, and his own hope to visit them later, reveals his ongoing concern for their spiritual well-being and his anticipation of their news.
When facing uncertainty, where do we place our hope? Paul's imprisonment didn't shake his trust.
Paul begins this verse not by relying on his own plans or circumstances, but by grounding his hope in 'the Lord Jesus.' This isn't just a casual mention; it's a profound statement of faith. Even while imprisoned, Paul trusts that Jesus, who is Lord over all things, has the power and the will to orchestrate events. This means his plans, like sending Timothy, are ultimately in God's hands. It’s a reminder that our deepest hopes and plans, even for ministry and connection, are best laid in dependence on Christ’s sovereign care.
What truly fuels a leader's desire to connect with their community?
Paul's desire to send Timothy and hear news from Philippi isn't just about his own comfort. It's deeply rooted in his pastoral heart. He wants to be 'of good comfort' when he knows their 'state' – not just their physical well-being, but their spiritual condition, their steadfastness in faith, and their love for one another. This shows that genuine leadership involves a profound investment in the spiritual health and maturity of the people. Leaders who truly care find joy and encouragement in the flourishing of those they serve.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
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.
psuche · Greek Noun
The state of one's spiritual, physical, or emotional well-being. Biblical concern for welfare involves active, sacrificial care for the needs of others, reflecting the love of Christ.
zēteō · Greek Verb
To strive for, pursue, or be intent upon something. In a negative sense, it refers to selfish ambition; in a positive sense, it refers to seeking the kingdom of God.
heautōn · Greek Pronoun
Refers to that which is beneficial, advantageous, or of concern to an individual. When used in contrast to Christ, it highlights the human tendency toward self-focus.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Anointed One, the Messiah. He is the ultimate object of Christian devotion and the standard by which all other interests are measured.
dokimē · Greek Noun
Refers to a tested character that has stood under pressure and been found reliable or genuine. It implies an authenticity verified through experience.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners; the core message of the Christian faith.
Paul's hope to send Timothy and visit the Philippians himself reveals the deep personal connection and pastoral care he had for this church, even while facing his own severe trials.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Timothy, travels through Macedonia, establishing the church in Philippi. This marks Timothy's initial connection with the Philippian believers.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea or Rome
The apostle Paul is imprisoned, likely in Caesarea or Rome. During this period, he writes letters to various churches, including Philippians.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphroditus Travels to Paul
Epaphroditus, a messenger from the Philippian church, travels to visit the imprisoned Paul, bringing much-needed support and news from home.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes the Epistle to the Philippians
While imprisoned, Paul dictates his letter to the Philippians, expressing gratitude, encouragement, and his hopes for their spiritual well-being and his own release.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Plans to Send Timothy
Paul hopes to send Timothy to the Philippians soon to check on their spiritual state and offer encouragement, knowing their faith is being tested.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Hopes for His Own Release
Paul expresses a desire to be released from prison and to visit the Philippians again, showing his deep affection for them and his trust in God's plan.
David, in a time of crisis, trusts in the Lord and seeks Him for direction and comfort, similar to Paul's reliance on Christ in his own difficult circumstances.
2 Corinthians 2:13Paul expresses a deep longing and anxiety to know the state of the Corinthian church, mirroring the sentiment in Philippians 2:19 where he seeks news to be of good comfort.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2Paul sends Timothy to the Thessalonians to establish and comfort them, showing a pattern of using trusted messengers to tend to the spiritual well-being of churches, just as he plans to do with the Philippians.
Philemon 1:22Paul expresses hope that he will be able to visit Philemon, indicating that his plans and ability to travel were dependent on the Lord's will and the circumstances of his own situation, much like his hope to send Timothy.
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's hope isn't just about receiving good news, but about his own emotional well-being ("that I too may be of good comfort"). He's not just looking for an update; he's yearning for the spiritual refreshment that news of their faithfulness brings to his own soul.
Paul, currently under house arrest in Rome, expresses his deep care for the Philippian church and his hope to send Timothy to check on them soon. This message comes after he has just heard about the illness of Epaphroditus, a messenger from Philippi, and is sending him back with this very letter. Paul's desire to send Timothy, and his own hope to visit them later, reveals his ongoing concern for their spiritual well-being and his anticipation of their news.
Paul, currently under house arrest in Rome, expresses his deep care for the Philippian church and his hope to send Timothy to check on them soon. This message comes after he has just heard about the illness of Epaphroditus, a messenger from Philippi, and is sending him back with this very letter. Paul's desire to send Timothy, and his own hope to visit them later, reveals his ongoing concern for their spiritual well-being and his anticipation of their news.
"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Chri…" — Paul's hope isn't just about receiving good news, but about his own emotional well-being ("that I too may be of good comfort"). He's not just looking for an update; he's yearning for the spiritual re…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
