19 But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be comforted when I have news of you. 20 For I have no man of like mind who will truly have care for you. 21 For they all go after what is theirs, not after the things of Christ. 22 But his quality is clear to you; how, as a child is to its father, so he was a help to me in the work of the good news. 23 Him then I am hoping to send as quickly as possible, when I am able to see how things will go for me:
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:19-23
Commentary on Philippians 2:19-30
(Read Philippians 2:19-30)
It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.