Philippians 2:24 - Timothy and Epaphroditus

And I trust in the Lord
This phrase reflects Paul's deep reliance on God's sovereignty and guidance. Trust in the Lord is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing faith and dependence on God's will (Proverbs 3:5-6). Paul's trust is not in his own plans or abilities but in the Lord's perfect timing and purpose. This trust is foundational to the Christian life, as seen in Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

that I myself
Paul's use of "I myself" underscores his personal desire and intention. Despite his current imprisonment, Paul expresses a strong personal commitment to visit the Philippians. This reflects his pastoral heart and dedication to the churches he established. His personal involvement in the ministry is evident throughout his letters, where he often speaks of his longing to be with the believers (Romans 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18).

will come soon
Paul's hope to come soon indicates his expectation of being released from prison. Historically, Paul was under house arrest in Rome, as described in Acts 28:30-31. His anticipation of visiting the Philippians shows his optimism and faith in God's deliverance. This also highlights the importance of fellowship and personal presence in the early church, as seen in Hebrews 10:25, which encourages believers not to forsake assembling together. The phrase also reflects the urgency and immediacy of Paul's mission, paralleling the imminent return of Christ, which is a central theme in the New Testament (Revelation 22:20).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Philippians. He is expressing his hope and trust in the Lord to visit the Philippians soon.

2. Philippians
The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia.

3. The Lord
Refers to Jesus Christ, in whom Paul places his trust for his future plans.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Timing
Paul exemplifies a deep trust in God's timing and sovereignty over his plans. We should also learn to submit our desires and plans to God's will, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

Desire for Fellowship
Paul's longing to visit the Philippians highlights the importance of Christian fellowship. We should prioritize building and maintaining relationships within the body of Christ.

Faith in Action
Paul's trust is not passive; it is active and expectant. Our faith should lead us to take steps forward, trusting God to guide and direct our paths.

Hope in Uncertainty
Even in uncertain circumstances, Paul maintains hope. We can find encouragement in this to remain hopeful and steadfast, even when our future is unclear.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2What does the Bible say about our beliefs?How can you honor the Lord with your wealth?What does it mean to worship?How can I find stability and strength in life?

(24) But I trust . . .--Compare Philemon 1:22, "Prepare me a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you," where the expectation seems even more immediate. The interval between the Letters is unknown. The received belief of St. Paul's release, and subsequent re-imprisonment (resting on unvarying tradition, and on the evidence of the Pastoral Epistles), supposes this expectation to have been fulfilled in due time.

In the Lord.--So above, Philippians 2:19. The expression, connected in both cases with matters of practical life and even of detail, is one which (like "the bowels of Jesus Christ" in Philippians 1:8) belongs to the consciousness of a life so absorbed in Christ, that it cannot think or live in hope except "in the Lord." But it carries with it, perhaps, also the idea suggested by St. James (James 4:15) "If the Lord will, we shall do this or that." Just so far as a hope or prayer is really "in the Lord," it will be accordant with the Divine will, and will therefore be realised.

Philippians 2:25-30 contain the immediate mission and commendation of Epaphroditus, who had been sent from Philippi with supplies, had fallen sick, and now in convalescence was longing for home, and fearful lest the report of his sickness should cause them anxiety. . . .

Verse 24. - But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Notice the variations of tone respecting his prospects of release. "I know" (Philippians 1:25), "I hope" (Philemon 1:22, in the Greek), "I trust" here. The apostle was subject, like all of us, to changing currents of thought, to the ebb and flow of spirits; but his trust was always in the Lord. "Behold," says Chrysostom, "how he makes all things depend upon God." His hope, in all probability, was fulfilled (see Titus 2:12). Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I trust
πέποιθα (pepoitha)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I myself
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

will come
ἐλεύσομαι (eleusomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

soon.
ταχέως (tacheōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5030: Soon, quickly, hastily. Adverb from tachus; briefly, i.e. speedily, or rapidly.

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Philippians 2:24 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that (Philipp. Phil. Php.)