“But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.”
So I am all the more eager to send him, that you may rejoice at seeing him, and that I may be less anxious — the urgency intensifies: seeing Epaphroditus alive and restored will gladden the Philippians and relieve Paul's fear. The emotional transparency ('less anxious,' acheinōs) shows Paul's vulnerability even as he counsels courage. Love expresses itself in concern for others' welfare. His eagerness to restore Epaphroditus to them reflects the letter's theme: unity through mutual care.
Church Fathers on Philippians 2:24
“But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come to you shortly.” I am not therefore sending him, as though I myself would not come, but that I may be of good courage when I know your state, that even in the mean time I may not be ignorant of it. “But I trust in the Lord,” says he. See how he makes all things depend on God, and speaks nothing of his own mind. That is, God willing.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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