Why Paul Wanted To Send Timothy

Why Paul Wanted to Send Timothy

Philippians 2:19–24

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.

20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,

24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

Although this happened around 2,000 years ago, through today’s passage we can sense Paul’s deep longing for the Philippian church—which he had planted and considered his spiritual children—after being apart from them for about ten years. He had heard occasional news from them, but now he seemed deeply concerned that something might be wrong. At the same time, he knew they were also worried about him, since he was in prison. That’s why Paul was so eager to send someone to update them and to receive news from them. Because he himself was imprisoned and couldn’t go, he planned to send Timothy in his place.

Verse 19 says, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.”

The distance from Rome to Philippi was about 750 miles by land and sea. Even though it would take sevral weeks and involve danger on land, sea, and from people, Paul still wanted to know about their situation. Why? In Philippians 1:8, Paul writes, “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” And in 4:1, “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”

The word “yearn” in Philippians 1:8 is the same Greek word used in Psalm 42 to describe a deer panting for streams of water—a deep, desperate longing (epipotheó). Paul had that kind of longing for the Philippian believers. Like a parent concerned for their children who are far away, Paul sincerely desired to know how they were doing.

Imagine not being able to communicate with your beloved children for ten years. What would you be most curious about? Probably their health, whether they’ve married, if they have children, and especially their spiritual life—whether they’re still walking with God.

That’s what mattered most to Paul: whether they were living in a way that reflected the salvation they had received, whether they were living as blameless children of God, becoming more like Christ. Depending on their answer, Paul felt that his entire life would either have been in vain or worth rejoicing in on the day of Christ. In fact, he said that if they were living that kind of life, even if he were poured out as a drink offering for their sake, he would still rejoice (Philippians 2:14–17).

Paul longed to be with Christ in heaven, but he said the reason he remained in this world was for their “progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:25). That’s how much he cared about their spiritual growth—he was willing to live or die for it.

But since he couldn’t go himself, he needed to send someone. Why did he want to send Timothy rather than someone else? Verses 20–21 explain: “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”

Paul chose Timothy because he was like-minded. In 2:2 Paul had already encouraged the Philippians to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” But even Paul himself had a hard time finding someone who shared his heart and purpose. Having the same mind among believers is not easy.

Even married couples—who are supposed to be “one flesh”—struggle to live with the same heart and mind, how much harder is it among church members?

There’s a story about a little boy who attended a wedding with his parents. Watching the ceremony, he asked his mom, “Mom, what is marriage?” She smiled and replied, “Marriage is when a man and woman fall in love and choose to live together. They don't fight, they understand each other, forgive each other’s mistakes, and help each other with life’s challenges.” The boy looked confused, glanced at his parents, and said, “Then I guess you and Dad aren’t married.”

So how can we, whether in marriage or church, be of the same mind? How could Paul and Timothy be of one heart? How can we have the same purpose?