This must be a general statement. Paul had many fellow workers whose commitment to Jesus Christ was complete at this time, one of whom was Epaphroditus. Paul would commend him shortly ( Philippians 2:25-30). Perhaps Paul was thinking of those local Roman Christians who were serving the Lord at least partially to advance their own reputations. He had referred to them previously ( Philippians 1:14-18). He probably meant that of all the people whom he might have sent to the Philippians , none put the interests of Christ above their own as Timothy did. Luke must have been away from Rome when Paul wrote this, and perhaps other helpers of Paul were also absent. [1] A believer who puts the interests of Christ before his or her own is still a rare individual (cf. Philippians 1:21). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 2:19-30 - Honoring Christian Messengers
The Apostle nobly honored the younger men who wrought with him. He speaks of Timothy as his son, and expatiates on the genuineness of his loving interest in each of his converts. He describes Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier. How tenderly he refers to his sickness and recovery, as though God had conferred on himself special favor in giving back this beloved comrade in the great fight!
It is well worth while to ponder the remark that God does not add sorrow to sorrow, Philippians 2:27. He tempers His wind to the shorn lamb. He cautions the accuser that he must not take Job's life. With the trial He makes the way of escape. He keeps His finger on the wrist while the operation is in progress, and stays it as soon as the pulse flutters. Not sorrow upon sorrow! Note also that "hazarding" of life, Philippians 2:30, r.v. It was a common experience in those great days of Christ's suffering Church, Acts 15:26. How strange it is today to watch the sacrifices that men and women will make in times of war, when a new spirit is stirring in the world and men adventure everything for liberty, righteousness, and fatherland, and then compare this extravagant expenditure of blood and treasure with what we have done for Jesus. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 2
1Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility; 12to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world, 16and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God 19He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:21
They all [οι παντες] “The whole of them.” Surely Luke was away from Rome at this juncture. [source]
All [οἰ πάντες] The all; that is, one and all. The expression, however, must have limitations, since it cannot include those spoken of in Phlippians 1:14,Phlippians 1:17. It probably means, all except Timothy, that he has at his disposal of those who would naturally be selected for such an office. [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 2:21 mean?
Greek Commentary for Philippians 2:21
“The whole of them.” Surely Luke was away from Rome at this juncture. [source]
The all; that is, one and all. The expression, however, must have limitations, since it cannot include those spoken of in Phlippians 1:14, Phlippians 1:17. It probably means, all except Timothy, that he has at his disposal of those who would naturally be selected for such an office. [source]