Paul did not write these words to introduce Timothy to the Philippians. They knew him well. [1] Probably he wanted this glowing testimonial to give his original readers confidence that Timothy had their best interests at heart. Timothy would represent their situation to Paul accurately. [source][source][source]
Probably Paul meant that he had no fellow worker with him then who would do a better job in this assignment than Timothy. Timothy consistently shared Paul"s general outlook and specific concern for the welfare of the Philippians. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 2:19-30 - Honoring Christian Messengers
The Apostle nobly honored the younger men who wrought with him. He speaks of Timothy as his son, and expatiates on the genuineness of his loving interest in each of his converts. He describes Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier. How tenderly he refers to his sickness and recovery, as though God had conferred on himself special favor in giving back this beloved comrade in the great fight!
It is well worth while to ponder the remark that God does not add sorrow to sorrow, Philippians 2:27. He tempers His wind to the shorn lamb. He cautions the accuser that he must not take Job's life. With the trial He makes the way of escape. He keeps His finger on the wrist while the operation is in progress, and stays it as soon as the pulse flutters. Not sorrow upon sorrow! Note also that "hazarding" of life, Philippians 2:30, r.v. It was a common experience in those great days of Christ's suffering Church, Acts 15:26. How strange it is today to watch the sacrifices that men and women will make in times of war, when a new spirit is stirring in the world and men adventure everything for liberty, righteousness, and fatherland, and then compare this extravagant expenditure of blood and treasure with what we have done for Jesus. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 2
1Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility; 12to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world, 16and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God 19He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:20
Likeminded [ισοπσυχον] Old, but very rare adjective (ισοσ πσυχη isosισοτιμος psuchē), like γνησιως isotimos in 2 Peter 1:1. Only here in N.T. Likeminded with Timothy, not with Paul. [source]
Truly [γνησιος] “Genuinely.” Old adverb, only here in N.T., from gnēsios (Phlippians 4:3), legitimate birth, not spurious. [source]
Like minded [ἰσόψυχον] Only here in the New Testament. With Paul himself, not Timothy. [source]
Who [ὅστις] Double relative, classifying: such that he. [source]
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:20
Old, but very rare adjective (ισοσ πσυχη isosισοτιμος psuchē), like γνησιως isotimos in 2 Peter 1:1. Only here in N.T. Likeminded with Timothy, not with Paul. [source]
“Genuinely.” Old adverb, only here in N.T., from gnēsios (Phlippians 4:3), legitimate birth, not spurious. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. With Paul himself, not Timothy. [source]
Double relative, classifying: such that he. [source]
Rev., truly. The adverb only here in the New Testament. The kindred adjective γνήσιος trueown, occurs 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 Corinthians 8:8(see note). [source]