Philippians 2:19-21 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But I trust in the Lord, &c. Though I should not be surprised if my work and testimony as an apostle should end in martyrdom, yet I do not immediately expect such an event, but trust that the Lord will effect such a deliverance for me, as that, not needing Timotheus so much here, I may be able to send him shortly to you, that, whatever my condition may be here, I also, or I yet, may be of good comfort, may be refreshed, when I know from him your state That is, your steadfastness in the faith, and your love to one another. For I have no man Namely, none now with me; like-minded Ισοψυχον, alike disposed, or equally affectionate, with him in all respects; particularly in love to you; who will naturally care for your state With such genuine tenderness and concern, even as nature teacheth men to care for their children as themselves. It appears from Acts 27:1, as Macknight observes, that Aristarchus and Luke accompanied the apostle to Rome. And, during his confinement there, other faithful assistants came to him, who, we have reason to think, were equally well disposed with Timothy to take care of the Philippians' affairs. We must, therefore, suppose that at the time the apostle wrote this, these faithful teachers were not in Rome, having probably left that city for a time on some business. For all but Timotheus seek their own things; namely, their case, safety, pleasure, or profit. Amazing! in that golden age of the church, could St. Paul thoroughly approve of one only among all the labourers that were with him, of which it appears, from Philippians 1:14; Philippians 1:17, there were many? And how many do we think can now approve themselves to God? And not the things which are Jesus Christ's Not having his interest so affectionately at heart as not to neglect it in some degree at least, out of regard to their own secular welfare. They who seek the things of Jesus Christ, will sadly experience what the apostle here says: they will find few helpers like- minded with themselves, willing, naked, to follow a naked master.