How it will go with me - The apostle was now in captivity; his trial appears to have been approaching, and of its issue he was doubtful; though he seems to have had a general persuasion that he should be spared, see Phlippians 2:19 , Phlippians 2:24 . read more
Verse 19 19But I hope. He promises them the coming of Timothy, that, from their expecting him, they may bear up more courageously, and not give way to impostors. For as in war an expectation of help animates soldiers, so as to keep them from giving way, so this consideration, too, was fitted to encourage greatly the Philippians: “There will one come very shortly, who will set himself in opposition to the contrivances of our enemies.” But if the mere expectation of him had so much influence, his... read more
Verse 20 20I have no man like-minded. While some draw another meaning from the passage, I interpret it thus: “I have no one equally well-affected for attending to your interests.” For Paul, in my opinion, compares Timothy with others, rather than with himself, and he pronounces this eulogium upon him, with the express design that he may be the more highly esteemed by them for his rare excellence. read more
Verse 21 21For all seek their own things. He does not speak of those who had openly abandoned the pursuit of piety, but of those very persons whom he reckoned brethren, nay, even those whom he admitted to familiar intercourse with him. These persons, he nevertheless says, were so warm in the pursuit of their own interests, that they were unbecomingly cold in the work of the Lord. It may seem at first view as if it were no great fault to seek one’s own profit; but how insufferable it is in the... read more
Verse 22 22But the proof. It is literally, ye know the proof of him, unless you prefer to understand it in the imperative mood, know ye; (for there had scarcely been opportunity during that short time to make trial,) but this is not of great moment. What is chiefly to be noticed is, that he furnishes Timothy with an attestation of fidelity and modesty. In evidence of his fidelity, he declares, that he had served with him in the gospel, for such a connection was a token of true sincerity. In... read more
Verse 23 24I trust that I myself. He adds this, too, lest they should imagine that anything had happened to change his intention as to the journey of which he had previously made mention. At the same time, he always speaks conditionally — If it shall please the Lord. For although he expected deliverance from the Lord, yet there having been, as we have observed, no express promise, this expectation was by no means settled, but was, as it were, suspended upon the secret purpose of God. read more
The mission of Timothy. The apostle comforts the Philippians with the intimation that, if he cannot himself visit them, he will send them Timothy, who was already well known to them all. I. HIS OBJECT IN SENDING TIMOTHY . It was twofold. 1 . To comfort his own heart. "That I also may be of good heart, when I know your state." The apostle had a tender anxiety respecting the best beloved of all the Churches. 2 . To give them guidance for Timothy was one who would... read more
Timothy. I. Martyrdom may come soon; if it comes, the apostle will welcome it with joy; IF HE LIVES , HE WILL SEND TIMOTHY . 1 . He hopes to send Timothy almost immediately ; he trusts himself to come shortly. Observe, he hopes in the Lord , and He trusts in the Lord. "Behold how he refers all things to the Lord," says St. Chrysostom. He submits his hopes and desires, even where the spiritual welfare of his converts seems to be concerned, wholly to the higher... read more
The true spirit of Christian usefulness. "But I trust in the Lord," etc. These words might be fairly employed to illustrate the true spirit of Christian usefulness , and the following remarks are suggested. This spirit I. SUPREME CONCERN FOR THE SOUL - INTERESTS OF OTHERS . This was exemplified in Paul 1 . In thinking of them at all in his condition. Paul was now a prisoner in Rome, expensed to martyrdom, "ready to be offered." One might have thought that in... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:22
Ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me - The Philippians had full proof of the affectionate attachment of Timothy to Paul, for he had labored with him there, as we learn from Acts 16:1-3 ; Acts 17:14 ; and we find from what is said here that Timothy was not a servant to the apostle, but that he had served with him. They both labored together in the word and doctrine; for apostles and Christian bishops, in those times, labored as hard as their... read more