But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Parallel translations
- WEB But you know the proof of him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News.
- BSB But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
- NKJV But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
- NASB But you know of his proven character, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The Philippians know Timothy's proven character, having served the gospel with Paul like a son with a father. Tested faithfulness commends a servant of Christ.
Overview
Timothy's worth is not theoretical but demonstrated in shared labor for the Good News. The father-son imagery conveys both affection and Timothy's humble, loyal service. Proven character, forged in ministry, is what makes him trustworthy.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- 1 Cor 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
- 2 Tim 1:2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 2 Cor 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
- 1 Tim 1:2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
- 2 Cor 8:22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
- Acts 16:3–12Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
- 1 Tim 1:18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
- Titus 1:4To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
- Phil 2:20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
- 2 Cor 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
- 2 Cor 8:24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
- 2 Tim 3:10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
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Christ at the center
The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
How Philippians 2:22 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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