{9} But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of {q} good comfort, when I know your state.

(9) Moreover, he strengthens and encourages their minds both by sending back Epaphroditus to them, whose fidelity towards them, and great pains in helping him, he commends: and also promising to send Timothy shortly to them, by whose presence they will receive great benefit. And he hopes also himself to come shortly to them, if God wills.

(q) May be confirmed in the joy of my mind.

People's New Testament

2:19 I trust in the Lord Jesus. Through the help of the Lord.

To send Timotheus. His companion at Rome at this time, his beloved convert and fellow-laborer. See PNT Php 1:1.

That I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. When he returns from visiting you and shows me your state.

Wesley's Notes

2:19 When I know - Upon my return, that ye stand steadfast.

King James Translators' Notes

But: or, Moreover

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19. Php 2:22, "ye know the proof of him . that . he hath served with me," implies that Timothy had been long with Paul at Philippi; Accordingly, in the history (Ac 16:1-4; 17:10, 14), we find them setting out together from Derbe in Lycaonia, and together again at Berea in Macedonia, near the conclusion of Paul's missionary journey: an undesigned coincidence between the Epistle and history, a mark of genuineness [Paley]. From Php 2:19-30, it appears Epaphroditus was to set out at once to allay the anxiety of the Philippians on his account, and at the same time bearing the Epistle; Timothy was to follow after the apostle's liberation was decided, when they could arrange their plans more definitely as to where Timothy should, on his return with tidings from Philippi, meet Paul, who was designing by a wider circuit, and slower progress, to reach that city. Paul's reason for sending Timothy so soon after having heard of the Philippians from Epaphroditus was that they were now suffering persecutions (Php 1:28-30); and besides, Epaphroditus' delay through sickness on his journey to Rome from Philippi, made the tidings he brought to be of less recent date than Paul desired. Paul himself also hoped to visit them shortly.

But I trust-Yet my death is by no means certain; yea, "I hope (Greek) in the Lord (that is, by the Lord's help)"

unto you-literally, "for you," that is, to your satisfaction, not merely motion, to you.

I also-that not only you "may be of good courage" (so Greek) on hearing of me (Php 2:23), but "I also, when I know your state."

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:19-30 It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.