Philippians 2:22 kjv
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Philippians 2:22 nkjv
But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
Philippians 2:22 niv
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.
Philippians 2:22 esv
But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
Philippians 2:22 nlt
But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.
Philippians 2 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 2:20-21 | For I have no one else like him... for they all seek their own interests. | Contrast: Timothy's unique, selfless devotion. |
| 1 Cor 4:17 | For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. | Paul's trust and Timothy's faithfulness. |
| 1 Cor 16:10 | When Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause for fear. | Indicates Timothy's relative youth and earnestness. |
| 2 Tim 1:2 | To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. | Reinforces the spiritual father-son relationship. |
| 2 Tim 2:1 | You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | Paul's consistent address to Timothy as his son. |
| Acts 16:1-3 | Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra... a disciple there, named Timothy... Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him. | Timothy's call to ministry and initial partnership with Paul. |
| Rom 16:21 | Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you. | Confirms Timothy as Paul's consistent co-laborer. |
| 1 Thes 3:2 | We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ. | Timothy as a trusted envoy and fellow laborer in the gospel. |
| Heb 6:10 | For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you have shown for his name. | God remembers and validates faithful service. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | So that the tested genuineness of your faith... may be found to result in praise. | Concept of 'proven character' (δοκιμὴν) through testing. |
| Rom 5:3-4 | Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. | Character developed through trials and perseverance. |
| Jam 1:3-4 | For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness... that you may be perfect. | Faith is tested to produce spiritual maturity. |
| Gal 4:19 | My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. | Spiritual fatherhood and nurturing of disciples. |
| 1 Cor 9:18 | What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge. | Selfless service as its own reward in the gospel. |
| Mark 10:45 | For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life. | Jesus as the ultimate model of selfless service. |
| 2 Cor 6:4 | But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance. | Paul's example of suffering and proving ministry. |
| Prov 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. | Mentorship and faithful instruction in younger years. |
| Job 23:10 | But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out as gold. | Tested character, purified and proven. |
| Eph 6:6 | Not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. | Serving wholeheartedly, not for external approval. |
| 2 Cor 7:4 | I am greatly encouraged; in all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. | Paul's joy in trusted co-workers amidst difficulty. |
| Col 1:7 | You learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ. | Other trusted and proven co-laborers. |
| 1 Tim 4:12 | Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example. | Timothy's call to leadership despite youth. |
| Luke 17:10 | So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants.' | Humble posture of service in the Kingdom. |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 22 Meaning
Philippians 2:22 extols Timothy’s exemplary character, affirmed through experience and faithful service. Paul highlights Timothy’s deep loyalty, comparing his partnership in ministry to a devoted son serving alongside his father in the cause of the Gospel. This verse acts as a profound commendation and presents Timothy as a reliable model of Christian service, contrasting him with others who might be seeking their own interests.
Philippians 2 22 Context
This verse is embedded in a section where Paul encourages the Philippians towards unity, humility, and selflessness, modeling his call on the supreme example of Christ (Phil 2:1-11). After outlining his own circumstances and hopes (Phil 2:17-18), Paul shifts to discuss sending his co-workers. He first introduces Timothy as a trusted messenger (Phil 2:19), contrasting Timothy’s devotion with the self-seeking motives of other potential envoys (Phil 2:21). Verse 22 then offers Paul’s compelling testimonial to Timothy’s long-standing, validated character and his intimate, selfless partnership in spreading the good news. This sets up Timothy as the ideal model for the Philippian church to emulate in their own conduct. Historically, mentoring relationships like that between Paul and Timothy were crucial for training new leaders and ensuring the continuation and expansion of the nascent Christian movement. Paul’s commendation also served to authenticate Timothy to a church that may not have known him intimately, urging them to receive him well.
Philippians 2 22 Word analysis
- But: (δέ - de) Signals a contrast. Here, it contrasts Timothy's character and motivation with the "others" mentioned in Phil 2:21 who sought their own interests.
- you know: (γινώσκετε - ginōskete) Implies experiential knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. The Philippians had personal acquaintance or received prior reports that established Timothy’s reputation.
- Timothy's: Refers to Timotheus, Paul's devoted companion and spiritual son, frequently mentioned as a co-author of epistles and a trusted messenger.
- proven character, (τὴν δοκιμὴν - tēn dokimēn) Derived from dokimos, meaning "tested," "approved," or "genuine." This refers to character that has been thoroughly tested, put through trials, and found authentic, reliable, and steadfast. It denotes a person whose true nature has been demonstrated by experience.
- that as a son (ὡς πατρὶ - hōs patri - used idiomatically) The phrase literally implies a deep, affectionate, and loyal relationship. It suggests an apprentice-like devotion, where the 'son' not only learns from the 'father' but actively participates in his mission with the same commitment and passion. It highlights intimacy and trust beyond mere employment.
- with his father: Refers to Paul himself. This is a common metaphor Paul used for his relationship with younger leaders, denoting spiritual fatherhood through gospel proclamation (1 Cor 4:15).
- he has served with me (συνεδούλευσεν - synedouleusen) This compound verb literally means "he served together as a slave" or "he rendered service as a slave together with." It emphasizes humble, active, and shared service (bond-servanthood) in the common endeavor. It is a powerful term highlighting partnership in strenuous work.
- in the gospel. (εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - eis to euangelion) This indicates the sphere, purpose, and content of their shared labor. Their service was not for personal gain or a worldly cause, but singularly dedicated to the advancement and spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2 22 Bonus section
The relationship between Paul and Timothy exemplifies an ideal mentorship in the early church. Paul wasn't just Timothy's teacher; he was his spiritual father, modeling ministry and character while investing personally in Timothy’s development. This mutual respect and deep connection were vital for the replication of leadership and the expansion of the Gospel message. Timothy's humility in serving alongside Paul, even as he was being groomed for greater leadership, stands in stark contrast to the modern emphasis on rapid advancement and personal recognition. His proven character speaks to an enduring faithfulness developed over time, not through sudden success. The term dokimē can also refer to the act of testing itself, implying that Timothy endured various situations that refined and revealed his true spirit for ministry. This highlights that godly character is not innate but often forged through trials and consistent commitment.
Philippians 2 22 Commentary
Philippians 2:22 provides a profound commendation of Timothy, serving as a beacon of selfless devotion in Christian ministry. Paul, his spiritual father, bears witness to Timothy's character, not merely as an acquaintance but as someone whose integrity and reliability have been demonstrated through prolonged association and shared hardships. The term "proven character" (δοκιμή) signifies that Timothy has passed various tests and challenges, his faith and dedication remaining unshakeable. This is contrasted with others (Phil 2:21) who prioritised their own agendas, highlighting Timothy's unique focus on Christ's interests. The comparison to a "son with his father" elevates their working relationship beyond mere professional collaboration to one of profound familial loyalty, affection, and shared purpose. Timothy embraced Paul’s mission as his own, reflecting Christ’s own humility and selfless service (Phil 2:5-8). Their joint service "in the gospel" underscores the ultimate goal of their endeavors: spreading the saving message of Jesus. This verse encourages believers to seek and value leaders of such proven character, and equally, calls us to emulate Timothy's self-forgetting, gospel-centric devotion in our own service to Christ. It affirms that true partnership in the Kingdom arises from tested faithfulness and a heart wholly dedicated to God's redemptive work.