Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 2:19-24”
Categories: Philippians“But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.”
---End of Scripture verses---
A couple of Paul’s fellow workers who had “the mind of Christ” (verse 5) were Timothy (verses 19-24) and Epaphroditus (verses 25-29). These two men had dedicated their lives to Jesus and put their lives on the line every day in service to their brethren and fellowman. Paul said that Timothy was “of kindred spirt” with him (verse 20). This term literally means “equal-souled”. Both Paul and Timothy shared a deep and genuine “concern” for the brethren in Philippi, and the Apostle was confident that when he sent Timothy to help them out spiritually, they would be getting the next best thing to a visit from Paul himself.
Timothy did not seek after his own interests but the interests of Christ Jesus (verse 21). This means that, just like His Savior, Timothy did “nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,” but with humility of mind he regarded other people as “more important than” himself” (verse 3). He did not merely look out for his “own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (verse 4). Timothy had “proven worth” because he consistently displayed a Christ-like attitude as he faithfully carried out his duties as a servant of Christ. He could be trusted and depended upon to do the will of God because he had a proven track record that stood the test of time.
These two men were not superhuman heroes. They were regular people like you and me who gave their very best to the Lord because of their deep gratitude for all that He had done for them. God recognizes and rewards the efforts of the dedicated workers in His kingdom and soldiers in His army, even if no one else ever does. Keep fighting! Keep working! Keep serving! The Lord knows your worth! If you have been sitting idly by, get into the fracas! There is no time like the present to surrender your will and life to your Lord!
We’ll read about Epaphroditus in verses 25-29 for tomorrow Lord willing.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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