The verse begins "This one" in the Greek text, which draws attention to Timothy"s qualifications. Paul hoped, the Lord willing, to send Timothy to Philippi with a report of the apostle"s situation and plans as soon as he knew the result of his trial. Evidently Paul expected that a decision in his case would be forthcoming soon. Both for the love of the Philippian church and for the effectiveness of his ministry, Paul wanted his friends to know about his situation. In this he set us a good example. [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 2:23
So soon as I shall see [ως αν απιδω] Indefinite temporal clause with ως αν hōs an and the second aorist active subjunctive of αποραω aphoraō The oldest MSS. (Aleph A B D) have απιδω aphidō (old aspirated form) rather than απιδω apidō [source]
I shall see [ἀφίδω] The compounded preposition ἀπό gives the sense of looking away from the present condition of affairs to what is going to turn out.sa40 [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 2:23 mean?
HimindeedthereforeI hopeto sendwhen-I shall have seenthe thingsconcerningmeimmediately
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:23
Indefinite temporal clause with ως αν hōs an and the second aorist active subjunctive of αποραω aphoraō The oldest MSS. (Aleph A B D) have απιδω aphidō (old aspirated form) rather than απιδω apidō [source]
On the force of απο apo with οραω horaō (look away) see note on Hebrews 12:2. “The things concerning me,” the outcome of the trial. Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 4:19. [source]
The compounded preposition ἀπό gives the sense of looking away from the present condition of affairs to what is going to turn out.sa40 [source]