February 6
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TIMOTHY: PAUL’S KINDRED SPIRIT
19 But I hope, in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven character, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly. – Philippians 2:19-24
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According to William Barclay’s commentary, Timothy was a native either of Derbe or of Lystra. His father was a Greek and the fact that he was not circumcised would seem to show that he was educated in Greek ways (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). We cannot tell how or when he was converted to Christianity, but on his second missionary journey Paul met him and saw in him one whom he could clearly use in the service of Jesus Christ. From that time Paul and Timothy were very close. Paul could speak of him as his child in the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:17). Timothy’s great use was that, whenever Paul wished for information from some Church or wished to send advice or encouragement or rebuke and could not go himself, it was he whom he sent. Timothy’s great value was that he was always willing to go anywhere; and in his hands a message was as safe as if Paul had delivered it himself. Timothy’s one desire was to serve Paul and Jesus Christ.
Paul endorses his beloved Timothy to the Philippians. He trusts his good assistant to be able to represent him because the Philippians have been faithful to the Lord and there is no better person who loves them as much as he did. He was so glad that Timothy could represent him in doing God’s ministry. Paul speaks highly of Timothy, almost like his own son. His letter was full of expectancy as to his coming visit to see them all. Paul could speak of Timothy as his child in the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:17). He was with Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:1-40 ); he was with him in Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-14); he was with him in Corinth and in Ephesus (Acts 18:5; Acts 19:21-22); and he was with him in prison in Rome (Colossians 1:1; Philippians 1:1). We see the bond and trust that Paul and Timothy had between them. What a wonderful relationship when we are kindred in spirit with another believer!
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REFLECTION
• What is the most important thing that you could ever want to have in a friend?
• Why is trust a very important aspect in a friendship?