and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:24
What does Philippians 2:24 mean?
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Philippians 2:24
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Paul doesn't just "hope" for his release; he "trusts" in the Lord for it. This "trust" isn't a wish, but a deep-seated confidence rooted in his life lived "in the Lord," meaning his plans are surrendered to God's will.
and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is assuring the Philippian believers that while he's sending Timothy to visit them, he still fully intends to come himself. He expresses this hope not as a certainty, but as a trust placed "in the Lord," acknowledging that God ultimately directs his plans and freedom. This expectation of his own visit follows the sending of Timothy, highlighting a structured approach to ministry and care for the church.
Paul uses a strong word for his expectation of seeing the Philippians again. What's the difference between 'hoping' and 'trusting' in God's plan?
Paul declares, 'I trust in the Lord.' This isn't a vague wish, but a confident assurance. It's a deep-seated belief that God is in control and will orchestrate events according to His perfect will, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Paul expected to come 'shortly.' Yet, history tells us his release and eventual return didn't happen immediately as he might have first envisioned. How do we reconcile our desires with God's schedule?
The word 'shortly' here is flexible. It doesn't necessarily mean a few days or weeks, but rather without undue delay, especially in comparison to the great and important matters being handled. Paul’s expectation is framed by his mission and the actions of others, like Timothy.
Ask a follow-up
Beyond his personal freedom, what was driving Paul's deep desire to visit the Philippians?
Paul’s anticipation of seeing the Philippians isn't just about personal comfort or duty. It's deeply connected to their spiritual well-being and his pastoral care for them.
Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
Refers to the sovereign God, Yahweh, who is the ruler over all things and the one in whom believers place their absolute confidence for the future.
Paul's expression of trust in his own upcoming visit is grounded in his hope for release from Roman imprisonment, a hope that, while not guaranteed, reflects his deep faith and ongoing ministry.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. He uses this time to write letters, including Philippians, to churches he cares about.
c. AD 62
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to the Emperor. This means his trial and potential outcome are uncertain and subject to Roman legal processes.
c. AD 62-63
Timothy's Expected Journey to Philippi
Paul intends to send Timothy to the church in Philippi soon to bring them encouragement and gather information about their condition.
c. AD 63
Paul's Hope for Release and Visit
While awaiting trial, Paul expresses a hopeful, though not certain, expectation that he will soon be released and able to visit the Philippian believers himself.
c. AD 63-64
Traditional Release and Further Ministry
According to tradition and supported by hints in the Pastoral Epistles, Paul was eventually released from his Roman imprisonment and continued his missionary work.
This verse shows Paul expressing a similar confident hope about a future visit, linking it directly to the prayers of others, underscoring his reliance on the Lord for such plans.
Romans 15:32Here, Paul explicitly states his desire to come to the Roman believers and that if God wills it, he will come to them with joy, echoing the sentiment of trusting God's will for his travels.
1 Corinthians 4:19This passage presents a striking parallel where Paul declares he will visit the Corinthians, not just to see their state, but to witness the power of God, reflecting his earnest anticipation and trust in divine enablement for his journeys.
Acts 19:21This verse reveals Paul's stated intention to go to Jerusalem after visiting Macedonia and Achaia, demonstrating his forward-looking plans that were ultimately submitted to God's sovereign guidance.
barnesPhilippians 2:24: "But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly."
But I trust in the Lord ... - note, Philippians 1:25 .
gillPhilippians 2:24: "But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly."
But I trust in the Lord,.... The Syriac version reads, "in my Lord": that I also myself shall come shortly: this he adds, partly to let them see, that he still retained a secret hope and persuasion in his own mind of a deliverance, though he could not be certain of it, how things would go with him; and partly, that he might not be thought to put them off with sending Timothy to them; for notwithstanding that, his…
Paul doesn't just "hope" for his release; he "trusts" in the Lord for it. This "trust" isn't a wish, but a deep-seated confidence rooted in his life lived "in the Lord," meaning his plans are surrendered to God's will.
Paul is assuring the Philippian believers that while he's sending Timothy to visit them, he still fully intends to come himself. He expresses this hope not as a certainty, but as a trust placed "in the Lord," acknowledging that God ultimately directs his plans and freedom. This expectation of his own visit follows the sending of Timothy, highlighting a structured approach to ministry and care for the church.
Paul is assuring the Philippian believers that while he's sending Timothy to visit them, he still fully intends to come himself. He expresses this hope not as a certainty, but as a trust placed "in the Lord," acknowledging that God ultimately directs his plans and freedom. This expectation of his own visit follows the sending of Timothy, highlighting a structured approach to ministry and care for the church.
"and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also." — Paul doesn't just "hope" for his release; he "trusts" in the Lord for it. This "trust" isn't a wish, but a deep-seated confidence rooted in his life lived "in the Lord," meaning his plans are surrend…
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Last reviewed October 2026