(24) But I trust . . .--Compare Philemon 1:22, "Prepare me a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you," where the expectation seems even more immediate. The interval between the Letters is unknown. The received belief of St. Paul's release, and subsequent re-imprisonment (resting on unvarying tradition, and on the evidence of the Pastoral Epistles), supposes this expectation to have been fulfilled in due time.

In the Lord.--So above, Philippians 2:19. The expression, connected in both cases with matters of practical life and even of detail, is one which (like "the bowels of Jesus Christ" in Philippians 1:8) belongs to the consciousness of a life so absorbed in Christ, that it cannot think or live in hope except "in the Lord." But it carries with it, perhaps, also the idea suggested by St. James (James 4:15) "If the Lord will, we shall do this or that." Just so far as a hope or prayer is really "in the Lord," it will be accordant with the Divine will, and will therefore be realised.

Philippians 2:25-30 contain the immediate mission and commendation of Epaphroditus, who had been sent from Philippi with supplies, had fallen sick, and now in convalescence was longing for home, and fearful lest the report of his sickness should cause them anxiety.

Verse 24. - But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Notice the variations of tone respecting his prospects of release. "I know" (Philippians 1:25), "I hope" (Philemon 1:22, in the Greek), "I trust" here. The apostle was subject, like all of us, to changing currents of thought, to the ebb and flow of spirits; but his trust was always in the Lord. "Behold," says Chrysostom, "how he makes all things depend upon God." His hope, in all probability, was fulfilled (see Titus 2:12).

2:19-30 It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.But I trust in the Lord,.... The Syriac version reads, "in my Lord":

that I also myself shall come shortly: this he adds, partly to let them see, that he still retained a secret hope and persuasion in his own mind of a deliverance, though he could not be certain of it, how things would go with him; and partly, that he might not be thought to put them off with sending Timothy to them; for notwithstanding that, his intention still was, should he be released, to pay them a visit himself. The Alexandrian copy adds, "to you": so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions.