Philippians 2:19

Paul explained that his plan was subject to the will of God when he said that he hoped "in the Lord Jesus" to send Timothy shortly. The apostle alluded to his submission to the lordship of Christ frequently in this epistle (Philippians 1:8; Philippians 1:26; Philippians 2:24; Philippians 2:29; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 3:3; Philippians 4:1; Philippians 4:10; cf. Romans 14:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Corinthians 16:7; Philemon 1:20; Philemon 1:25). These references were probably especially numerous in this epistle because of the indefiniteness of Paul’s release.

The primary purpose of Timothy’s visit was to learn the condition of the Philippian believers and to report that to Paul. This would enable Paul to pray for, minister to, and lay plans to help this church better.