2:22
Timothy had proved himself. His life measured up to the the things that Paul was saying about him and the the Philippians knew Timothy. We are to live lives of integrity. Not that we can ever be perfect, but there should be something of the life of Christ in us. Christian character matters. Timothy served with Paul as a son serves with his father. 1 and 2 Timothy bring out the relationship much more clearly. Timothy learnt from Paul. It was not so much a matter of learning techniques, but a focus on attitude, motivation and dedication.
2:23,24
Again we get the mixed up thoughts that Paul has about his situation. He will send Timothy once he knows what is going to happen to him, whether he is going to be put to death or not. Then he says that he is confident in the Lord that he will actually be able to go and see them himself. If the most widely accepted occasion of writing, ie while Paul was in captivity in Rome, is accepted, then we have no idea whether he was actually released for a time and was able to go and see them again. If an earlier date is accepted, then Acts 20:1-6 mentions another visit to Philippi. However, it seems that Paul did think he would be released, but was not absolutely certain about it. Sometimes we put a pressure on ourselves thinking we have to believe a certain thing is going to happen, a prayer be answered. We are to believe the truths of the gospel at all times, and at other times God will tell us some details about life and we should believe Him. But at other times He does not tell us what is going to happen.
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