Philippians 2:19–30 · King James Version

Timothy and Epaphroditus

Paul hopes to send Timothy, who alone shares his care for them, as soon as he knows how his case will go, and trusts that he will come himself. Meanwhile he sends back Epaphroditus, their messenger, who had been sick almost to death in Christ’s work, and asks them to receive him with joy and honour.

12 verses · 36 glosses · All commentators

2:19

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

Commentary · 3 glosses

But I trust in the Lord Jesus – Diverting from his former exhortation, the more to comfort them, he expresseth his good hope (which in respect of the object we translate trust) in the Lord Jesus, exalted above every name, that he would be pleased some way or other, to afford him such liberty, notwithstanding his restraint. … Timotheus shortly unto you – That he should within a little while after the arrival of Epaphroditus, now upon his return, dispatch Timothy to them. that I also may be of good comfort – Not for their further benevolence, but for the composing of their Spirits, and settling of their affairs, which to him, solicitous of their Souls’ welfare, (as a like case for others, 1 Thess 2:19, with 3:5) would be great satisfaction.

on 2:19–30

Paul takes particular notice of two good ministers; for though he was himself a great apostle, and laboured more abundantly than they all, yet he took all occasions to speak with respect of those who were far his inferiors. I. He speaks of Timothy, whom he intended to send to the Philippians, that he might have an account of their state. See Paul’s care of the churches, and the comfort he had in their well-doing. He was in pain when he had not heard of them for a good while, and therefore would send Timothy to enquire, and bring him an account.

The comfort and pleasure of Gospel ministers lie in the good of the churches of Christ; it puts them in good heart and soul, as the word here used signifies, when they hear of their steadfastness in the faith of Christ, of their love to one another, and all the saints, and of their patience under sufferings.

2:20

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Commentary · 3 glosses

like-minded – For which purpose I have designed Timothy who joins with me in this Epistle, and is most of the same mind with myself, endued with the same Spirit, Faith, and Love: finding none of like Soul to him with myself, in desiring your prosperity, and so have pitched upon him. who will naturally care for your state – Who being cordial to me and you, will without regard to lucre, ingeniously, and sincerely, above all the rest I have here, propagate the Kingdom of Christ amongst you, and promote your Salvation in watching for your Souls, as one that must give an account, that he may do it with joy, Heb 13:17.

on 2:19–30

For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state. Timothy was a non-such.¹ There were, no doubt, many good ministers, who were in care for the souls of those for whom they preached; but none comparable to Timothy, a man of an excellent spirit and tender heart. Who will naturally care for your state. Observe, It is best with us when our duty becomes in a manner natural to us. … Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only: with a willing heart and upright view, so agreeably to the make of his mind.

For I have no man likeminded – With myself; as my soul, so the Syriac version renders it. Timothy had a soul like the apostle’s, which none that were with him, besides him, had; … he was a second Paul in the pulpit.

2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

Commentary · 4 glosses

For all seek their own – See 1 Corinthians 10:24. All, that is, the greater part: for he excepteth Timothy and Epaphroditus: and his meaning is, that it is a vice incident to most, to prefer their own profit and worldly ends, before the glory of Christ.

He doth here further commend Timothy, compared with the generality of those, who with him did attend the Ministry of the Gospel at Rome, where it seems (whatever the Papists pretend) Peter did not then preside as Metropolitan.

on 2:19–30

Did Paul say this in haste, as David said, All men are liars? Ps 116:11. Was there so general a corruption among ministers so early that there was not one among them who cared for the state of their people? We must not understand it so: he means the generality; all, that is, either the most, or all in comparison of Timothy. Note, Seeking our own interest to the neglect of Jesus Christ is a very great sin, and very common among Christians and ministers.

For all seek their own – and particularly their own ease and health, and did not choose to undertake such a fatiguing journey as from Rome to Philippi.

2:22

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Commentary · 3 glosses

he hath served with me in the gospel … He doth not say, served me, or under me, but with me in the Gospel, i. e. to advance the Glory of Christ in promoting the Gospel, by helping with Paul, and labouring, working the work of the Lord, as Paul also did, and being sometime a sufferer under restraint for that service, as Paul himself, Heb 13:23, for the Gospel, which is not a Domination, but Ministration, wherein this great Apostle owns Timothy as his Fellow Minister.

on 2:19–30

You know the proof of him, Phil 2:22. Timothy was a man who had been tried, and had made full proof of his ministry (2 Tim 4:5), and was faithful in all that befel him. … He was Paul’s assistant in many places where he preached, and served with him in the gospel with all the dutiful respect which a child pays to a father, and with all the love and cheerfulness with which a child is serviceable to his father. Their ministrations together were with great respect on the one side and great tenderness and kindness on the other—an admirable example to elder and younger ministers united in the same service.

They had had an experiment of him, a trial of his spirit, and a proof of his gifts and ministry, when he was among them with the apostle at his first preaching the Gospel to them, to the conversion of Lydia, and of the jailer, and their households, which laid the foundation of a Gospel church state among them, see Acts 16:3.

2:23

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Commentary · 3 glosses

Him therefore I hope to send presently – Seeing the matter was thus, he thought not of any other to employ in the service of their Faith, but hoped, i. e. in the Lord Jesus, as verse 19, in a short time after his present Writing, to send this excellent, humble, and approved young Man, who would naturally care for their concerns, v. 20.

on 2:19–30

Paul designed to send him shortly: Him therefore I hope to send presently, as soon as I shall see how it will go with me, Phil 2:23. He was now a prisoner, and did not know what would be the issue; but, according as it turned, he would dispose of Timothy.

so soon as I shall see how it will go with me; whether he should be released from his bonds or not; whether he should live or die; whether he should be set free, or be called to suffer martyrdom for the sake of Christ.

2:24

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

Commentary · 2 glosses

that I also myself shall come shortly – Before he had suggested his persuasion of abiding with them, 1:25, and here that he might satisfy them he had not changed his mind, he adds for their comfort, that they might not be discouraged in their sufferings, what apprehensions he had after a while, of being set at liberty, (if God pleased) and if so, he would have them conceive, soon after he had done what was necessary at Rome, (for him who had care of all the Churches) he designed to follow Timothy to them.

on 2:19–30

Nay, he hoped to come himself (Phil 2:24): But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. He hoped he should soon be set at liberty, and be able to pay them a visit. Paul desired his liberty, not that he might take his pleasure, but that he might do good.—I trust in the Lord. He expresses his hope and confidence of seeing them, with a humble dependence and submission to the divine will. See Acts 18:21; 1 Cor 4:19; Jas 4:15; Heb 6:3.

2:25

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Commentary · 3 glosses

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus – In the mean time he gives them an account why he esteemed it needful to send back Epaphroditus (whom some but without sufficient warrant would have to be the same with Epaphras, Col 1:7; 4:12; Phlm 23) unto them, not as if he had failed in doing what he was entrusted with, but for other weighty reasons. … your messenger – But your Apostle, which must be understood largely, as it is sometimes put for any Evangelist, Deacon, or Minister of the Gospel, Rom 16:7, 9, well rendered by us in this place, messenger compared with Philippians 4:18; 2 Cor 8:22–⁠23, not being a special Apostle of Christ, Matt 10:2, but an Officer of the Church at Philippi, delegated by them to carry relief to Paul.

on 2:19–30

II. Concerning Epaphroditus, whom he calls his brother, and companion in labour, and fellow-soldier, his Christian brother, to whom he bore a tender affection,—his companion in the work and sufferings of the gospel, who submitted to the same labours and hardships with himself,—and their messenger, one who was sent by them to him, probably to consult him about some affairs relating to their church, or to bring a present from them for his relief for he adds, and who ministered to my wants. He seems to be the same who is called Epaphras, Col 4:12.

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus – In the mean while, before either he or Timothy could come to them. This man was sent by the Philippians to the apostle with a present, and had been detained at Rome for some time, partly through business, and partly through sickness; … One of this name lived at Rome about this time, and was one of Nero’s freemen,² but not the same person here intended.

2:26

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Commentary · 3 glosses

For he longed after you all – He gives them the first reason of his present sending, not that Epaphroditus was unwilling to stay longer with him, but because he was greatly concerned for all of them of the Church at Philippi, who had his heart as they had Paul ‘s, 1:8; 4:1; Rom 1:11. Solicitous to be with them to do their Souls’ good. and was full of heaviness – Especially considering their great affection to him, whom they had entrusted in this service, he was in such distress for them, that his Spirits were even ready to fail him, (as Matthew 26:37) from Sympathy 2 Corinthians 11:29.

on 2:19–30

He had an earnest desire to come to them, and Paul was willing he should. It seems, 1. Epaphroditus had been sick: They had heard that he had been sick, Phil 2:26. … 2. The Philippians were exceedingly sorry to hear of his sickness. They were full of heaviness, as well as he, upon the tidings of it: for he was one, it seems, for whom they had a particular respect and affection, and thought fit to choose out to send to the apostle.

We have here an instance of that mutual love, tender affection and sympathy; which were in the first churches, and what subsisted between ministers and people; see how they loved one another! but, alas! this first love is left.

2:27

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Commentary · 3 glosses

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death – By reason he was really taken with such a Disease, as in its own nature was mortal, and in its tendency brought him even to Death’s door, as Isaiah 38:1.

on 2:19–30

And indeed he was sick, nigh unto death, Phil 2:27. Sickness is a calamity common to men, to good men and ministers. But why did not the apostle heal him, who was endued with a power of curing diseases, as well as raising the dead? Acts 20:10. Probably because that was intended as a sign to others, and to confirm the truth of the gospel, and therefore needed not be exercised one towards another. … And perhaps they had not that power at all times, and at their own discretion, but only when some great end was to be served by it, and when God saw fit. … 3. It pleased God to recover and spare him: But God had mercy on him, Phil 2:27. The apostle owns it is a great mercy to himself, as well as to Epaphroditus and others.

grace, and the doctrine of grace, though they regulate the passions, and restrain them from immoderate sorrow, they do not destroy them, nor deny the proper use of them. Christianity does not countenance a stoical apathy, but requires and encourages a Christian sympathy, and directs us to weep with them that weep within due bounds.

2:28

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Commentary · 3 glosses

I sent him therefore the more carefully – After his recovery, without delay, denying myself the comfort of his Society, I have dispatched him away to you. that when ye see him again – To the end that he whom you looked upon as dead. ye may rejoice – Might seasonably appear among you in Person, and cheer you up in your troubles for him and me. and that I may be the less sorrowful – And that I, who by reason of your kindness to me, have occasioned his absence from you, might upon his safe return to you have somewhat to alleviate my grief, 2 Cor 6:10.

on 2:19–30

4. Epaphroditus was willing to pay a visit to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick: “That when you see him again you may rejoice (Phil 2:28), that you may yourselves see how well he has recovered, and what reason you have for the thankfulness and joy upon his account.” He gave himself the pleasure of comforting them by the sight of so dear a friend.

and that I may be the less sorrowful; … for he did not expect to be wholly without sorrow while in this life.

2:29

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Commentary · 3 glosses

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness – Hereupon having given his due character, he chargeth them all, Officers, and People, to entertain him as a Servant of the Lord, (as Christ would have them receive his Servants, Matt 10:40–⁠41, even with all spiritual joy) as sometimes the Galatians had received him, Gal 4:14. … hold such in reputation – Yea, as it becometh Saints, Rom 16:2, to have such in esteem very highly for their works sake, 1 Thess 5:13.

on 2:19–30

5. Paul recommends him to their esteem and affection: “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation: account such men valuable, who are zealous and faithful, and let them be highly loved and regarded. Show your joy and respect by all the expressions of hearty affection and good opinion.”

in the Lord; or “for the Lord”, as the Arabic version renders it; for his sake, because he was one that was put into the ministry by him, was called unto it, and qualified for it, and sent forth to minister in it by him; or in the name of the Lord, as an ambassador of his, as representing him, and as if he himself was present; for he that receives a minister of Christ, receives Christ himself; see Luke 10:16.

2:30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Commentary · 3 glosses

work of Christ – By the work of Christ, he meaneth his labour in preaching: or his watching and pains taking in ministering to Paul’s necessity, calling it the work of Christ to visit Christ being poor and in bands in the person of Paul, Matt 25:36, 40.

on 2:19–30

It seems he had caught his illness in the work of God: It was for the work of Christ that he was nigh to death, and to supply their lack of service to him. The apostle does not blame him for his indiscretion in hazarding his life, but reckons they ought to love him the more upon that account. Observe, (1.) Those who truly love Christ, and are hearty in the interests of his kingdom, will think it very well worth their while to hazard their health and life to do him service, and promote the edification of his church.

to supply your lack of service towards me; to do that in their name, room, and stead, which they, through absence, could not do in person; signifying, that what was done to him, and for him, was but a piece of service and duty to him.

Notes

Non-such: nonesuch, one without equal.
↩
Epaphroditus, Nero’s freedman and secretary, and the master of the philosopher Epictetus.
↩

Sources & sigla

Excerpts keep their writers’ wording. ☞ marks the editor’s voice. A siglum opens its source at any point in the passage.

EA: English Annotations · 1645
The Westminster Assembly's committee of annotators, Annotations upon all the books of the Old and New Testament. First edition (London, 1645), EEBO-TCP A36467. Source text
P: Poole · 1685
Richard Adams, Matthew Poole's Annotations (Philippians and Colossians; Calamy, Account, 1713). Annotations upon the Holy Bible, vol. II (London, 1685), EEBO-TCP A55368. Source text
H: Henry (W. Harris) · 1710s
William Harris, Matthew Henry's Exposition of the Old and New Testament (vol. 6, completed after Henry's death). lyteword mhenry-complete Markdown (CC0). Source text
G: Gill · 1746–48
John Gill, An Exposition of the New Testament. Good Books Free digital edition, checked against scans. Source text

Scripture: King James Version (1769). About this text and its editorial conventions

The commentators, introduced

Texts public domain · notes © 2026. The King James Version and the four commentaries are in the public domain in the United States. The selection and arrangement of the excerpts, their light modernization, the passage summaries, the introductions, the editor’s notes and the footnotes are © 2026 Baptist Seminarian; all rights in the new material reserved.