This document provides an overview and analysis of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It focuses on chapter 2 verses 19-30, discussing three key points: 1) Paul planned to send Timothy to observe the state of the Philippians' joy in Christ. 2) Paul was confident that he would visit the Philippians himself soon. 3) Paul planned to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians, praising his character and service.

1. Ode to Joy
A Study in the Epistle to the
Philippians
Part 5
Phil 2:19-30
By Samuel E. Ward
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2. Introduction
Paul only wanted the best for the people of this
church and was quite pleased that they were
experiencing joy in their relationship with
God and each other. This is reflected in the
content of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
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3. We observe that . . .
I. This Letter Is an Expression of Paul’s Joy in
the Philippians, Phil 1:1-11.
II. This Letter Is an Explanation of Paul’s Joy
in Suffering for the Gospel He Gave Them,
Phil 1:12-30.
III. This Letter Is an Exhortation to the
Philippians to Complete Paul’s Joy in
Them, Phil 2:1-18.
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4. IV. This Letter Is Evidence of Paul’s
Commitment to See Their Joy in
Christ Continue, Phil 2:19-30.
A. Paul Had Plans to Send Timothy to Observe
the State of Their Joy, Phil 2:19-23.
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5. What is the value of Timothy’s visit to the
church at Philippi?
1. Paul would be encouraged by a good report
from Timothy, Phil 1:19.
(Phil 2:19 NIV) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send
Timothy to you soon, that I also may be
cheered when I receive news about you.
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6. 2. Paul would have his most trusted partner
ministering to the Philippians on his behalf,
Phil 2:20-23
(Phil 2:20-23 NIV) I have no one else like him,
who takes a genuine interest in your
welfare. {21} For everyone looks out for his
own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. {22}
But you know that Timothy has proved
himself, because as a son with his father he
has served with me in the work of the
gospel. {23} I hope, therefore, to send him as
soon as I see how things go with me.
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7. a. Timothy had the same interest in the
Philippians’ welfare.
b. Timothy had the same desire for the
Philippians to experience the fullness of
Christ.
c. Timothy had proven himself by his devotion
to serving Christ at Paul’s side as son
learning his father’s business.
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8. Timothy stands as one of many examples of
how even young people can have a major
impact upon God’s work. Consider these
noteworthy examples of godly youth in the
Bible:
Joseph was probably in his mid-teens when he
was sold into slavery by his brothers and
maintained a godly testimony through
difficult times throughout his life.
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9. Joshua was Moses’ aide from his youth,
Num 11:28.
Samuel was a leader in Israel from his youth,
1 Sam12:2.
David killed Goliath between the ages of 15-
17, 1 Sam 17:33.
Josiah became king of Judah at age 8 and
restored the observance of the Law in
Israel, 2 Kings 22:1.
Daniel was probably taken captive to Babylon
when he was in his teens, Dan 1:1-6.
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10. Mary was probably no older than 16 when she
gave birth to Jesus.
Mark was probably in his late teens or early
twenties when he went part way on a
missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas.
He also became the author of the gospel of
Mark, Acts 12:12.
Timothy had been a believer as a child and
became a partner in Paul’s missionary work
in his late teens or early twenties. This was
not by accident, 2 Tim 3:14-15.
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11. B. Paul Had Plans to Personally Come to
Philippi, Phil 2:24.
(Phil 2:24 NIV) And I am confident in the Lord
that I myself will come soon.
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12. Paul took a very personal interest in the
welfare and ministry of the churches he
founded.
1. He wanted to return to the Romans to
mutually encourage each other in the faith
and to evangelize others, Rom 1:10-13.
2. He did not want to return to the Corinthians
because it would have been a painful visit
for him, so he wrote a letter instead,
2 Cor 1:23-2:23.
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13. 3. He wanted to return to the Thessalonians
but had to send Timothy instead to
strengthen and encourage them and tell
them not to worry about the persecution he
was enduring, 1 Thes 3:1-6.
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14. C. Paul Had Plans to Send Epaphroditus Back to
the Philippians, Phil 2:25-30.
In these verses we see in Epaphroditis many
spiritual qualities that mark him as a person
who had truly given himself to the cause of
Christ as a servant.
1. He was a brother, fellow worker, fellow
soldier, and servant to those who minister in
Christ’s name, Phil 2:25.
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15. (Phil 2:25 NIV) But I think it is necessary to
send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also
your messenger, whom you sent to take care
of my needs.
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16. 2. He cared for the anxiety of others and did
not want to be the cause of others’ distress
or sorrow, even if warranted, Phil 2:26-27.
(Phil 2:26-27 NIV) For he longs for all of you
and is distressed because you heard he was
ill. {27} Indeed he was ill, and almost died.
But God had mercy on him, and not on him
only but also on me, to spare me sorrow
upon sorrow.
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17. 3. He is a man whose very presence exuded joy
and confidence in God, Phil 2:28.
(Phil 2:28 NIV) Therefore I am all the more
eager to send him, so that when you see him
again you may be glad and I may have less
anxiety.
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18. 4. He is worthy of honor not because of his
position or status, but his proven
unrestrained love for God, the ministry, and
his fellow believers in Christ, Phil 2:29-30.
(Phil 2:29-30 NIV) Welcome him in the Lord
with great joy, and honor men like him, {30}
because he almost died for the work of
Christ, risking his life to make up for the help
you could not give me.
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