Genuinely Concerned

Philippians 2: 19-24

(19) But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may also be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 

Paul wants to send Timothy to Philippi right away, so that he can return to Paul with a report of how they are doing. 

(20) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 

Timothy was with Paul when he went to Philippi and founded the church there (in Acts 16), so he was of "equal soul" with Paul in caring for the Philippians. When he says he has "no one else" he is not disparaging his other companions, but just saying that they don't have the same connection to this particular church that Timothy has.

(21) For thay all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 

Paul has already mentioned those who were concerned with furthering their own interests (1: 14-17), but is not unduly harsh on them. He is just noting that their hearts are not with the church in Philippi, as Timothy's is. 

(22) But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 

Timothy was with Paul as he founded the church in that city, as already noted in Acts 16, so they knew him. And Paul wanted to encourage him and them. 

(23) Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 

Paul didn't know how his trial would end, but expected a resolution pretty soon. 

(24) and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 

He was hoping that he would be set free; if so, then he would immediately go to see them right away. 

Paul had peace about either prospect, whether he would be executed or set free. For him to live was Christ, and to die would be gain (1: 21), so it really didn't matter that much. He wanted to be further benefit to those he loved, who he had relationships with in the churches he founded, but he didn't stress about it at all. 

So we shouldn't stress about life, either. Whether we can meet together physically or just virtually, we can still communicate a lot easier today than Paul did. And we can trust God to protect us or see us through whatever hardships we face. And He will still comfort us in our sorrows, and we can still praise Him for His goodness and greatness. 

God does not change, and everything He said will come to pass. And we need to remember that life on this Earth will never be easy, but as Christians, God allows into our lives everything He deems helpful for us to learn the lessons we need to learn, and nothing that will harm us. And when we're taking a test in this school of life, it is for us to hone our spiritual awareness and grow in Christ. 

O my Father, thank You for all You do for us. Thank You for telling us what to expect, and for preparing us for everything You know will come to pass. And thank You that nothing ever comes to stay, only to pass, in this time-stream. And when time is over, then we will go into an eternity of never-ending heavenly bliss, which I strongly suspect will be intensely interesting, never boring. 

Strengthen us, Father, to go out into all the world, spreading the Good News of Your Son. Be with Your children who are undergoing severe persecution even today, and grow Your Kingdom both in maturity and numbers. 

And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!