Philippians 2:19-24 Timothy and like-minded

Why does Paul just talk about sending Timothy in Philippians 2:19-24?

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. [kjv]

2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. [kjv]

2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. [kjv]

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

Who is "you"? Remember that in Philippians 1 and 2, Paul appears to be talking to the church leadership - bishops, deacons, etc.

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

In Philippians, Paul uses a lot of double meanings so one must be careful in inferring what is meant.

The Latin translation appears to go with only one of the double meanings. Later English translations and English word changes make inferring the meaning even more challenging.

Philippians purpose: Call the leadership or "bishops" to task for taking the church in directions not in line with Christ. Surprisingly, there is little if any mention of the modern English sense of "joy".

Paul uses puns, play on words, references to other scriptures, etc., to bring out his purpose in a very circumspect way. They are using "personal opinion" and "invalid logic" to portray their own view of Christ for their own purposes. By chapter 3, he will allude to the "bishops" as "enemies" of the cross of Christ.

More: Philippians 2:1-2 consolation

More: Philippians 1 and 2: review

Here is the context of these verses. In Philippians, Paul has been taking the "bishops" and church leadership to task, in a very circumspect way, for taking the faithful in directions not in line with the cross of Christ.

Paul appears to be using Timothy (later a bishop at Ephesus) as a good example to contrast with the not-so-good (or bad) example of the "bishops" at Philippi.

1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. [kjv]

τιμοθεω γνησιω τεκνω εν πιστει χαρις ελεος ειρηνη απο θεου πατρος και χριστου ιησου του κυριου ημων [gnt]

Timotheo … [v]

The name "Timothy" means, literally, "honoring God" or "valuing God".

The ancient Greek word "τιμή" ≈ "honor, value, worth".
The ancient Greek word "θεός" ≈ "god" which could be a pagan "god" or the one creator "God".

The KJV (King James Version) uses both "Timotheus" (19 times), a direct transliteration, and "Timothy" (9 times) as in the English name.

More: Timothy in the New Testament

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

This words for "good comfort" and "likeminded" are used only once by Paul in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and each once in the LXX (Septuagint). This often means that there may be double meanings or play-on-words, etc., in what Paul is saying. The context and meaning of the two words from which this one Greek word is constructed are thus important.

Since some words, or parts of words, are used in both verses 19 and 20, those words will be covered together as encountered.

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

The Latin word "spero" ≈ "hope, expect".

Philippians 2:19

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KJV: But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Greek: ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων

Latin: spero autem in Domino Iesu Timotheum cito me mittere ad vos ut et ego bono animo sim cognitis quae circa vos sunt

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ελπίζω" ≈ "hope, expectation" as in a well-founded belief or faith.
The Greek for "trust" is usually translated as "hope" and means a well-founded expectation or persuasion or belief as done later in verse 23.

2:23 Him therefore I hope to send … [kjv]

τουτον μεν ουν ελπιζω πεμψαι ως αν αφιδω τα περι εμε εξαυτης [gnt]

Details are left as a future topic.

More: A hope in a persuasive belief in faith into Jesus

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

Timothy has been a good helper for Paul. Paul will use Timothy as a good example in this chapter.

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

The ancient Greek word "ταχύς" ≈ "quick, rapid, soon" where the "soon" appears to require a context for the "quick". That Greek word is the source of the English word "tachometer".

The Greek translated by the KJV as "shortly" as in "soon" is that of "quickly" and that may or may not happen. When it happens, it will happen "quickly".

More: Come quickly: sooner or later

The ancient Greek word "μέριμνα" ≈ "care, pursuit" and is related to the Latin word "memor" ≈ "mindful" and the Old English word "mimor" ≈ "mindful" as in remembering. The PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*(S)MER" ≈ "remember" is the root word of the English word "memory".

In the first Kingdom Parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Jesus compares the "care" of the "age" (not world) with the "deceitfulness of riches"

Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. [kjv]

ο δε εις τας ακανθας σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και η μεριμνα του αιωνος και η απατη του πλουτου συμπνιγει τον λογον και ακαρπος γινεται [gnt]

The modern Greek word "μέριμνα" (MEH-ree-mna) ≈ "care, pursuit".

More: Matthew 13: A pointed discussion of thorny riches

Philippians 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει [gnt]

The Greek word for "care" or "worry" is related to the Greek word for "share" or "portion" and therefore about a "worry" about getting one's "share" of something (worldly).

Paul uses this word again in chapter 4 as in "concern" about worldly things.

4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [kjv]

*G3308 *6 μέριμνα (mer'-im-nah) : from G3307 (through the idea of distraction); solicitude:--care.

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μεριμνα *2

Matthew 13:22 ... that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and ...
2 Corinthians 11:28 ... that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

μεριμναι

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness ...

μεριμνων

Luke 8:14 ... and are choked with cares and riches and ...

μεριμναις

Luke 21:34 ... and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that ...

μεριμναν

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for ...

*G3309 *19 μεριμνάω (mer-im-nah'-o) : from G3308 μέριμνα; to be anxious about:--(be, have) care(-ful), take thought.

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μεριμνατε *5

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your ...
Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider ...
Luke 12:22 ... I say unto you, Take no thought for your ...
Luke 12:26 ... able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer ...

μεριμνησητε *4

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What ...
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for ...
Matthew 10:19 ... you up, take no thought how or ...
Luke 12:11 ... and powers, take ye no thought how or ...

μεριμνα *4

1 Corinthians 7:32 ... He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how ...
1 Corinthians 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how ...
1 Corinthians 7:34 ... a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, ...

μεριμνων *2

Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one ...
Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to ...

μεριμνησει *2

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for ...
Philippians 2:20 ... likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

μεριμνας

Luke 10:41 ... unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

μεριμνωσιν

1 Corinthians 12:25 ... but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Words: μεριμνα=6 μεριμναι μεριμναις μεριμναν μεριμνας μεριμνατε=5 μεριμνησει=2 μεριμνησητε=4 μεριμνων=3 μεριμνωσιν

Paul uses the Greek word for "care", "concern" or "worry" twice in Philippians.

2:20: "care for your state" as in "about your worldly concerns".
4:6 "Be careful for nothing" as in "do not have worldly concerns".

Philippians 4:6

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KJV: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Greek: μηδεν μεριμνατε αλλ εν παντι τη προσευχη και τη δεησει μετα μετ ευχαριστιας τα αιτηματα υμων γνωριζεσθω προς τον θεον

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

2:19 ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

2:20 ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει [gnt]

In verses 19 and 20, the KJV infers the word "state". The Greek means, literally, "about you" or "around you". The ancient Greek word "περί" ≈ "around" and is the source of the English word "perimeter".

The "care for your state" may be "about your worldly concerns". Paul will use the word for "around" again in verse 23 with "me" rather than "you".

2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. [kjv]

τουτον μεν ουν ελπιζω πεμψαι ως αν αφιδω τα περι εμε εξαυτης [gnt]

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

The KJV translates as "good comfort" for what is the ancient Greek word "εὔψυχος" ≈ "good courage" which means, literally, "good mind".

The ancient Greek prefix "ευ" ≈ "good" as in the English words "euphoria" (good feeling), "eulogy" (good words), etc.
The ancient Greek word "ἴσο" ≈ "equal" as in an "isosceles" triangle but could mean "like" or "similar" depending on context.
The ancient Greek word "ψυχή" ≈ "spirit, life" but often means "mind".

$Simplified$ The ancient Greek word "ἴσος" ≈ "equal" as in an "isosceles" triangle but could mean "like" or "similar" depending on context.

The modern Greek word "ίσος" (EE-sos) ≈ "equal".

More: Everything being equal: To biff a translation

Interestingly, the ancient Greek word "ϝίσϝος" ≈ "equal" and pronounced something like "fis-fos" or "vis-vos" used the digamma and may show a relationship to the English word "with".

More: Greek digamma

The ancient Greek word "ψυχή" ≈ "spirit, life" as in the animating principle of human life. However, the ideas of Plato (abstract forms as object-oriented classes) and Aristotle (reality forms as object-oriented objects) on the "soul" influence how Paul may have used this word.

More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes

Christian theologians like Augustine (using Plato) and Thomas Aquinas (using Aristotle) adapted ideas of Greek philosophy into Christian doctrine so one must be careful not to read those ideas into what Paul is saying.

From this Greek word comes the word "psychology" and "psychiatrist". In the GNT the word sometimes meant "mind".

Since modern psychology was created largely from humanistic and atheistic motivations, one must be careful when making analogies of modern psychology to what Paul might be saying.

The modern Greek word "ψυχό" (psee-KHO) ≈ "psychic".
One pastor giving a sermon on "same mind" attempted to explain the Greek roots but did not point out that the same base word appeared in the previous verse. That paster then spent a lot of time talking about himself and psychology and how his psychology professor in college transformed his future career as a pastor - but without providing any spiritual transformations from spiritual role models. Interesting.

The use of the word for "good mind" is in the LXX but not in the OT (Old Testament) from the Hebrew.

Proverbs 30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. [kjv]

και αλεκτωρ εμπεριπατων θηλειαις ευψυχος και τραγος ηγουμενος αιπολιου και βασιλευς δημηγορων εν εθνει [lxx]

and a cock walking in boldly amongst the hens, and the goat leading the herd; and a king publicly speaking before a nation. [bs3]

How could "boldly" be related to the constituent words of "good mind" as in "feeling good" about oneself?

Proverbs 30:31

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KJV: A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

Hebrew: זרזיר מתנים או תיש ומלך אלקום עמו׃

Greek: και αλεκτωρ εμπεριπατων θηλειαις ευψυχος και τραγος ηγουμενος αιπολιου και βασιλευς δημηγορων εν εθνει

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

Strongs defines the KJV for "good comfort", used once by Paul and once in the LXX as "may be encouraged". The Greek means, literally "good mind".

The English word "good mind", or "half a mind", means to say that one will do, or wants to do, something, although one will probably not do it.

It appears that Paul may be saying something like this as he hedges (in the context of these verses) in that he wants to know about any changes before he makes up his "good mind" or "good conscience".

*G2174 *1 εὐψυχέω (yoo-psoo-kheh'-o) : from a compound of G2095 and G5590; to be in good spirits, i.e. feel encouraged:--be of good comfort.

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ευψυχω

Philippians 2:19 ... unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

The word "state" is not in the Greek.

The Greek for "know" is elsewhere translated is past tense as "have known", but here in the KJV as more of a future tense. Here are some examples.

Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. [kjv]

John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. [kjv]

Mark 15:45

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KJV: And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Greek: και γνους απο του κεντυριωνος εδωρησατο το σωμα πτωμα τω ιωσηφ

John 6:15

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KJV: When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Greek: ιησους ουν γνους οτι μελλουσιν ερχεσθαι και αρπαζειν αυτον ινα ποιησωσιν αυτον βασιλεα ανεχωρησεν παλιν εις το ορος αυτος μονος

Philippians 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει [gnt]

Whose mind is to be like someone else's mind? We see this when the next verse is added.

2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. [kjv]

Paul has no one whose mind is that of those who seek their own (opinion or glory) who can have (worldly concern or) care around them.

Philippians 2:20

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KJV: For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Hebrew: כי זולתו אין אתי איש כלבבי אשר בלב שלם ידאג לכם׃

Greek: ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει

Latin: neminem enim habeo tam unianimem qui sincera affectione pro vobis sollicitus sit

*G2473 *1 ἰσόψυχος (ee-sop'-soo-khos) : from G2470 and G5590; of similar spirit:--likeminded.

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ισοψυχον

Philippians 2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally ...

Words: ισοψυχον

Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. [kjv]

The "things" is not in the Greek but is inferred. They are not seeking the true Jesus. In English, "things" often means material or physical things. These "things" may be ideas that are not in line with Jesus.

Whoever the "all" are, they are not seeking the true Jesus. A "seek" in contrast to a "search" implies that they know the true Jesus but are not seeking Him.

More: Matthew 6: Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus

More: Seeking damages from zealous jealousy

Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. [kjv]

οι παντες γαρ τα εαυτων ζητουσιν ου τα χριστου ιησου [gnt]

Philippians 2:21

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KJV: For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Hebrew: כי כלם את אשר להם ידרשו ולא את אשר לישוע המשיח׃

Greek: οι παντες γαρ τα εαυτων ζητουσιν ου τα του χριστου ιησου

Paul then says some good things about Timothy. He had not many good things to say about the current church leadership at Philippi.

Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. [kjv]

την δε δοκιμην αυτου γινωσκετε οτι ως πατρι τεκνον συν εμοι εδουλευσεν εις το ευαγγελιον [gnt]

experimentum … evangelium [v]

2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. [kjv]

Paul hedges. It appears that he wanted to use Timothy as a good example but not throw him into the existing conflict at Philippi.

Paul will later send Timothy to Ephesus as a bishop. There will be problems at Ephesus, which is why the letter to Ephesus and later letters to Timothy were written, but not the same problems as appear to have existed in Philippi.

Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. [kjv]

την δε δοκιμην αυτου γινωσκετε οτι ως πατρι τεκνον συν εμοι εδουλευσεν εις το ευαγγελιον [gnt]

experimentum … evangelium [v]

Is Timothy a "slave" of the Gospel as is Paul?

Some churches today will make an equivocation of "servant" with "slave", is in the beginning of chapter 1 of Philippians, and then present many historical examples of American slavery and equate that with Roman servants and what Paul is saying. There are some similarities but many differences. Often, this type of presentation is done to promote personal political or social agendas.

Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I there in do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. [kjv]

In that respect, those churches are doing what Paul in his letter is saying no to do. That is, avoid personal or empty opinion and avoid bad or invalid logic that causes strife and contention. Paul says to preach the true word of Christ, not pretend, or use "pretence", to teach that word.

More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings

Philippians 1:18

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KJV: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I there in do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Greek: τι γαρ πλην οτι παντι τροπω ειτε προφασει ειτε αληθεια χριστος καταγγελλεται και εν τουτω χαιρω αλλα και χαρησομαι

Philippians 2:22

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KJV: But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Hebrew: ואותו ידעתם כי בחון הוא אשר כבן העבד את אביו כן היה אתי בעבודת הבשורה׃

Greek: την δε δοκιμην αυτου γινωσκετε οτι ως πατρι τεκνον συν εμοι εδουλευσεν εις το ευαγγελιον

Latin: experimentum autem eius cognoscite quoniam sicut patri filius mecum servivit in evangelium

Philippians 2:23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. [kjv]

τουτον μεν ουν ελπιζω πεμψαι ως αν αφιδω τα περι εμε εξαυτης [gnt]

… spero … [v]

Philippians 2:23

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KJV: Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Greek: τουτον μεν ουν ελπιζω πεμψαι ως αν απιδω αφιδω τα περι εμε εξαυτης

Latin: hunc igitur spero me mittere mox ut videro quae circa me sunt

Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. [kjv]

πεποιθα δε εν κυριω οτι και αυτος ταχεως ελευσομαι [gnt]

confido … cito [v]

The Greek for "trust" is that of being "persuaded".

The Greek for "shortly" is "quickly" with what appears to be an implied context of "once certain conditions are met".

More: Come quickly: sooner or later

Next, Paul will talk about sending Epaphroditus in verses 26-30.

More: Philippians 2:25-30 Epaphroditus and need

Philippians 2:24

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KJV: But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Greek: πεποιθα δε εν κυριω οτι και αυτος ταχεως ελευσομαι

Latin: confido autem in Domino quoniam et ipse veniam ad vos cito

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

2:19 ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

2:20 ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει [gnt]

The word for "trust" (verse 19) is that of an expectation as in "hope".
The word "shortly" (verse 19) means "quickly" (once conditions are met).
The word for "likeminded" has the same base word as "good comfort" which means "good mind".
The word for "know" (verse 19) should be in the past tense.
The same three words for "your state" (both verses) are "about you".

The KJV translates as "I trust" what might be better translated as "I am confident" as in a firm belief.

The word translated here as "shortly" can be misleading.

The modern Greek word "γρήγορα" (GHREE-go-ra) ≈ "quickly, rapidly".
The modern Greek word "ταχέως" (ta-KHEH-os) ≈ "quickly, rapidly", but sometimes, in a given context, can also mean "soon". The word "tachometer" measures how rapidly or quickly the engine pistons are running.
The modern Greek word "σύντομα" (SEEN-to-ma) ≈ "soon".

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. [kjv]

ελπιζω δε εν κυριω ιησου τιμοθεον ταχεως πεμψαι υμιν ινα καγω ευψυχω γνους τα περι υμων [gnt]

spero … cito … circa … [v]

2:20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. [kjv]

2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. [kjv]

Verse 19: I expect to send Timothy (in Christ Jesus) quickly to you when (at some future time) in my good mind I have known about you (and how you have changed) for I have no one who thinks (worldly) like you to genuinely (adequately) address your (worldly) concerns.
Verse 20: For everyone (there) seeks their own (opinion or glory) and not (the opinion or glory) of Jesus Christ.

Acts 24:4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. [kjv]

ινα δε μη επι πλειον σε εγκοπτω παρακαλω ακουσαι σε ημων συντομως τη ση επιεικεια [gnt]

Acts 24:4

All

KJV: Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

Hebrew: אך לבלתי הלאותך הרבה אתחנן אליך אשר תשמענו בקצר דברינו כחמלתך׃

Greek: ινα δε μη επι πλειον σε εγκοπτω παρακαλω ακουσαι σε ημων συντομως τη ση επιεικεια

After talking about Timothy and making a comment about himself, Paul will continue talking about Epaphroditus before announcing his somewhat ambiguous and interesting decision.

Why does Paul just talk about sending Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-27 before announcing a somewhat ambiguous and interesting decision?

Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. [kjv]

2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. [kjv]

2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [kjv]

What is Paul's "sorrow upon sorrow"?

More: Philippians 2:25-30 Epaphroditus and need