ACC ~ Philippians 2 v19 - 24

OVERVIEW:

The mission of Timothy reveals Paul’s deep affection for the Philippians (CHRYSOSTOM) and his extraordinary praise of Timothy (THEODORET). Timothy’s mission is an antidote to selfishness, which Paul rebukes by his own humility (MARIUS VICTORINUS), repeating that all things depend on God (THEODORET). Our actions are completed in God (MARIUS VICTORINUS).

2:19 | Sending Timothy to Them Soon

OUR ACTIONS COMPLETED IN GOD. MARIUS VICTORINUS: Because every act of ours must be referred to God so that it may be completed by God, he says, “I hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.19.

HIS SOLICITUDE. CHRYSOSTOM: He shows his love not only by telling them his news but also by asking for theirs. This is the mark of a soul that is constantly permeated with solicitude and consideration. … Why did he say not “so that you may know my affairs” but “so that I may know yours”? The reason is that Epaphroditus was going to bring news of him before Timothy. HOMILY ON PHILIPPIANS 10.2.19-21.

2:20 | One Anxious for Their Welfare

NO ONE LIKE HIM. THEODORET: The praises of the blessed Timothy are true, but the divine apostle has pronounced them at this point both as a sign of his own affection for them (since he has sent to their assistance the only comforter of his soul) and as an exhortation to receive him with all hospitality as a mouthpiece of the truth. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.19-22.

2:21 | Christ’s Interests

LOOKING AFTER CHRIST’S INTERESTS. MARIUS VICTORINUS: To the charge being given to Timothy as one “who is faithfully anxious on your behalf” he adds this explanation: The others “seek after their own interests”; that is, they are anxious to protect and keep what is theirs and in this are not Christians. For what is it to be a Christian? To seek rather in every companion and brother that which is Christ’s. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.21.

2:22 | Timothy’s Worth Known

SERVED WITH ME. MARIUS VICTORINUS: He says “he served with me,” not “he served me.” EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.22-24.

2:23-24 | Sending Timothy; Hoping to Join Them

I TRUST IN THE LORD. THEODORET: Even here he does not expressly announce that he will come but makes this depend on the providence of God. And clearly he has not yet wholly escaped his former peril. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.23-24.