Chapter 2, Verse 23 “I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,”
The “therefore” takes us back to verse 19 where Paul had hopes of sending Timothy soon. This verse introduces a possible caveat. Evidently, Timothy is not with Epaphroditus but will come at a later time. Paul is unsure of his future under the Romans and apparently uneasy about letting his “son in the gospel” leave him alone.
One of the reasons Timothy is to journey to Philippi is to inform them of Paul’s circumstances. Since those circumstances are still unknown Paul chooses to delay Timothy’s trip. Paul also wants to hear about them but that will have to wait. This must have been a frustrating time for Paul. He was not worried about his future as much as he was concerned that his supporting brethren knew how he fared. His plan was to send Epaphroditus on and hold Timothy until the future was clearer.
Task for Today: This is the way it is with plans sometimes. God will reveal Paul’s future to him in His own time. Paul is called upon to be patient and not get ahead of God. Good thing to keep in mind. God’s timetable is not ours. Like Paul we need to learn to wait on God. Keep in mind that God is in control and we do not need to hurry or rush things along. Wait on the Lord. God will bring all to fruition.
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