I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Summary: Life in ancient times lacked the mass communication we take for granted. To share news and ideas required patience and planning.
This passage is a bit challenging to meditate on because it deals primarily with what is called “housekeeping.” Paul is sending a letter to the Philippians, but his reference to Timothy suggests that letters were a means of last resort in sending information.
Consider the work involved in sending a letter.
Today, we use a computer “device” to draft a text or email. We might type the words, or we can simply “talk” into the device, and the computer captures our words. One tap on a button and our “letter” is sent. All of this can be done in seconds.
In Paul’s day, letters were more of a craft project.
Writing materials were expensive by today’s standards. Exactly how expensive is debated. Apparently, there is little in the way of a historical record when it comes to the price of papyrus. A pen might be as simple as a dried reed cut to form a writing instrument. Ink would be available for purchase or could be made at home.
Paul often used a scribe to write his letters for him. To authenticate the letters, he would include a greeting in his own handwriting at the end of the letter (2 Thessalonians 3:17).
Due to the cost, the time, and labor involved in writing a letter, they were not written lightly. Paul’s letters were thoughtful and well-organized. Yet, they are limited. There is only so much information that can be included in a letter.
This is why Paul wants to send Timothy.
Imagine the volumes of information someone like Timothy could bring back to Paul. Not only can a person carry a message to and fro, but Timothy would bring back stories about what he had seen and heard. It would be the ancient equivalent of a “face time” call.
The same is true for the Philippians.
Where a letter might not include all the information they would like to have, someone like Timothy could be questioned and more information extracted. The value of sending Timothy and getting a first-hand report in response is beyond measure. Compared to sending a letter, it was the next best thing to a personal visit.
Application: Consider the value of sharing your thoughts about God in person with others.
Food for Thought: Why does Paul expect to be “cheered” by news of the Philippians?
Timothy can report back that Paul’s expectation that the Philippians faith and love for each other is indeed growing strong. He can report back that the fruit of the Spirit and his investment in their lives is producing fruit. That would certainly encourage and cheer this devout follower in prison for his work on their behalf.
Thank you, Rich!
I agree that information benefits from a personal touch!
Why does Paul expect to be “cheered” by news of the Philippians?
Paul is like a father wanting to hear how his children are doing. Paul is facing a lot of serious issues, knows his death is probably getting close, but his thoughts are directed toward checking on the status, welfare of his children. Paul has introduced them to Jesus, set them on the path to maturity. They have supported him in his ministry, and now he wants to check in on how they are doing.
I think it could be Pauls way of saying farewell, letting them know of their value to him as well as seeking news of how their ministry is growing.
Timothy will be able to relay their words to Paul, but most importantly he will be able to convey all his eyes have seen as he was with them. Are they growing, healthy, remaining close, bound in their common faith, fitting in with their neighbors and whatever questions that might come to his mind.
It is Pauls opportunity to see them all through Timothy’s eyes.
Thank you, Ron!
You remind me of a man I knew who was blind from birth. Everything had to be described to him. In one sense, Paul was “blind” to what the Philippians lives were like while he was in chains.
Good comments and I don’t think I have much more to add.
If we read the account of Paul’s missionary visit to Phillipa in Acts 16:1-40 we can see how the Holy Spirit sent him specifically on that mission, worked miraculously through him, and firmly planted the seeds of that church.
Why does Paul expect to be “cheered” by news of the Philippians?
Seeing how the Holy Spirit continued to thrive in the hearts of the people in that church would have been a source of great joy, delight, and comfort to Paul.
Thanks Chris!
There is something very special about having our faith affirmed by the faith of others.