Philippians 2:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

NIV: And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

NASB: and I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly.

CSB: I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

NLT: And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

KJV: But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

NKJV: But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Paul hoped to also visit the Philippian church soon. His plan was three-fold. First, he sent this letter with Epaphroditus, named in verse 25. Second, he would send Timothy to visit and return to him in Rome (Philippians 2:19, 23). Third, Paul would personally visit the Philippian believers, or at least he wanted to.

As it turns out, we cannot be certain whether or not this visit actually took place. Paul's later ministry work is recorded only in the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These letters note his visits to areas near Philippi, but not in the city itself. He may have visited as planned, given that he was in the area, but this is not certain. Paul also intended to visit Philemon (Philemon 1:22) as well as Spain (Romans 15), though neither event is specifically recorded in the New Testament. Various extra-biblical writings associate Paul with all of these locations in his later years. We know Paul visited Ephesus, leaving Timothy there; Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3); Crete (Titus); Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); Troas (2 Timothy 4:13); and was likely arrested in Troas and taken to Rome, where he was held until his death.

Philippians 2:19–30 is Paul's instructions to the Philippian church regarding two particular men: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy was a trusted friend of Paul's, who would likely be visiting the church at Philippi soon. Epaphroditus apparently had friends and contacts in this church, and had brought support from Philippi to Paul. After recovering from a near-fatal disease, Epaphroditus is the one delivering this letter from Paul and Timothy.

Paul describes Jesus Christ as one willing to be humble, in obedience to God the Father. For this, God will exalt Jesus' name above all others. Someday, one way or another, all people will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord, and submit to Him. Paul wants the Philippian believers to live with contentment and unity, without complaining. Instructions are given regarding two visitors. The first is actually the one delivering this letter, Epaphroditus. The other is Timothy, Paul's trusted friend, who hopefully will be visiting soon.

Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. A Christian's life, lived for Christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give God glory. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by Jesus Christ. His willingness to obey God the Father, even being crucified, is the ultimate example of humble service. In return, His name will be honored more than any other. Paul's instructions regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus also form a bridge to chapter 3, where Paul will contrast these good men with the dangers of false teachers.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.