Philippians 2:22-25

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. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

(v22-24, NIV)

Paul relates to Timothy as a father does to his son. He has taken Timothy under his wing as his son and cared for him and taught him as his very own son. They serve together in the work of the gospel. On some of his journeys, Timothy is there with him. Paul hopes to send Timothy to them so that they may be benefited by Timothy. In addition, Timothy can bring them news of Paul, and Timothy may also return to Paul with news of them. Paul desires to go to them as well. However, he knows in his desire to send Timothy and his desire for himself to go, he is limited to how things go. He is submitted to the will of God, and if God does not allow him to go, then he will not go. There may be complications in going to see them, or something may come up keeping him from going. Regardless, he is letting them know if his desire to go to see them and his sending Timothy to them.

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.

(v25, NIV)

Paul is sending back to them Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus was originally sent by the church of Philippi to Paul. He was to care for Paul's needs and also act as a messenger. The church of Philippi thought it necessary to send someone to tend to Paul's needs. They may have taken an offering for Paul so that his basic needs would be fulfilled.

Paul has many good things to say about Epaphroditus. He is called a brother, a fellow worker and fellow soldier. He was most likely a deacon in the church. Regardless, he was an obedient follower of the Lord Jesus Christ on a mission sent by the church to see Paul.

Both Timothy and Epaphroditus are well spoken of by Paul. These are men who are in submission to God. Looking to these men we can see examples of people living their life for God. Timothy works alongside Paul in furthering the gospel. He sets aside his own needs and genuinely cares for the needs of others. Epaphroditus is a man who in obedience traveled to see Paul. The church sent him to act as a messenger and to give to Paul a love offering from the church.