But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
The letter containing this assurance was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. In it he voiced trust and confidence in the Lord that he himself would come to the Philippians shortly, even soon. That expectation to come shortly meant he looked for release from his imprisonment in Rome and for continued living to serve the churches. Whether he lived or died, his chief concern was the advance of Christ's cause.
He planned first to send Timotheus and then to come himself, so that he might learn their condition and be comforted. That promised coming shows his personal, tender care for the flock as an under-shepherd. The saying belongs to his commendation of Timotheus and Epaphroditus as leaders of that same caring character, who care for the church naturally, serve in the gospel as a son with a father, labor as companions and fellow soldiers, minister to needs, and risk life for the work of Christ rather than seeking their own interests.
The letter containing this assurance was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. In it he voiced trust and confidence in the Lord that he himself would come to the Philippians shortly, even soon. That expectation to come shortly meant he looked for release from his imprisonment in Rome and for continued living to serve the churches. Whether he lived or died, his chief concern was the advance of Christ's cause.
He planned first to send Timotheus and then to come himself, so that he might learn their condition and be comforted. That promised coming shows his personal, tender care for the flock as an under-shepherd. The saying belongs to his commendation of Timotheus and Epaphroditus as leaders of that same caring character, who care for the church naturally, serve in the gospel as a son with a father, labor as companions and fellow soldiers, minister to needs, and risk life for the work of Christ rather than seeking their own interests.