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Philippians 2:19
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Philippians 1:25,26
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; …

Romans 15:28,29
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain…

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 inActs 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 inHebrews 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).

• Paul’s first words ground his expectation in God, not in circumstance. By saying “in the Lord,” he echoesProverbs 3:5–6, where we are told to “trust in the LORD with all your heart,” andPsalm 37:5, which urges believers to “commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him.”

• This trust is active, not passive. Paul is making plans, but he is humbly submitting them to God’s sovereign will, just asJames 4:15 advises, “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”

• For the Philippians, hearing Paul’s confidence in God would encourage them amid their own trials (Philippians 1:29–30) and remind them that every hope is secure only when anchored in Christ.

• Paul’s use of “I myself” signals personal involvement. He is not delegating this visit indefinitely; he longs to be present in the flesh (compare1 Thessalonians 2:17).

• This phrase underscores pastoral care. As inRomans 1:11–12, Paul desires face-to-face fellowship to impart encouragement and receive it in return.

• The apostle’s personal commitment models servant leadership. He is willing to expend himself for their progress and joy in the faith (Philippians 1:25).

• “Soon” reflects real anticipation, yet still rests on God’s timing. Paul expects release, much like his confidence expressed inPhilemon 1:22: “Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.”

• This hope is rooted in Paul’s earlier statement (Philippians 1:25–26) that his continued ministry among them would benefit their growth.

• The phrase also reassures the church that their labor is not forgotten; their spiritual father plans to stand beside them again, reflecting Jesus’ promise inJohn 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you,” a pattern Paul imitates.

Philippians 2:24 reveals a threefold truth: unwavering reliance on the Lord’s sovereignty, the apostle’s personal investment in his flock, and a confident expectation of reunion. Together these elements call believers to hold plans loosely but faithfully, to value presence with God’s people, and to look forward—always in Christ—to God-appointed seasons of joyful gathering.

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" inPhilippians 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. . . .