But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly: Elpizo (1SPAI) de en kurio Iesou Timotheon tacheos pempsai (AAN) humin  (Php 2:24  Jer 17:5 Mt 12:21 Ro 15:12 Eph 1:13 2Ti 1:12  Ja 4:15 1Pe 1:21 ) (Phil 2:23;25 1:1; Ro 16:21; 1Co 4:17; Ep 6:21 6:22; Col 4:8 4:9; 1Th 3:2 3:6)

MacDonald observes that...

Up to this point, Paul has cited two examples of self-sacrificing love—the Lord Jesus and himself. Both were willing to pour out their lives to death. Two more examples of selflessness remain—Timothy and Epaphroditus. (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

Ryrie writes that...

The letter now returns to personal matters. Paul was going to send Timothy later and Epaphroditus right away; he wanted them to be accepted as his representative with his authority. No one else with him then, except Timothy, had the interest of Christ at heart (v. 21). Epaphroditus was a leader in the Philippian church who brought the financial gift to Paul and whom Paul sent home with this letter (v. 25). (The Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers)

Hendriksen comments that...

Paul, the joyful servant of Jesus Christ, the optimistic prisoner, the humble cross-bearer, is also the thoughtful administrator. Even from his prison in Rome he manages in a masterly fashion the spiritual terrain entrusted to his care, so that we marvel at his practical wisdom, gracious consideration of the needs and feelings of others, and delightful unselfishness. Are the Philippians anxious to receive a report about the verdict that is about to be pronounced regarding Paul? As soon as this decision is known, a messenger will be rushed to Philippi with the news. See verse 23. However, the apostle wants the Philippians to know that he is as concerned about them as they are about him. In fact, it is of importance to note that the first reason which he mentions for dispatching someone to Philippi is that he, Paul, may be brought up to date in his information concerning them... Although in this letter Paul never entirely dismisses from his mind the possibility of an unfavorable verdict (Phil. 1:20–23; 2:17, 18, 23), yet his expectation of an imminent acquittal and release predominates (Phil. 1:25, 26; 2:19; 2:24; cf. Phile 22). He is full of hope. This hope is, of course, “in the Lord Jesus” (Phil. 1:8, 14; 2:24; 3:1). It is cherished in complete and humble subjection to him who alone is Lord, sovereign Ruler of all, the One with whom the apostle is living in intimate fellowship. (Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. New Testament Commentary Set, 12 Volumes. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House)

Remember that the major emphasis of this chapter is "others", specifically becoming a servant and the major exhortation is to have the same attitude in ourselves that was in Christ Jesus. If Christ is my life in Chapter 1 then Christ can be my attitude in Chapter 2.

Hope (1679) (elpizo see word study on noun elpis) means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. As much as Paul valued Timothy, his hope was not in Timothy but in the Lord. The present tense indicates that this is Paul's continual desire.

In the Lord Jesus - This phrase emphasizes that the believer hopes, loves, boasts, labors, etc., in the Lord. Paul says in effect, “My hope is not an idle one, but one that is founded on faith in the Lord.” This phrase emphasizes that Paul’s every thought, word, and deed proceeded from the Lord as the center of his volition.   Could the same be said about me?

Matthew wrote regarding Jesus that...

"IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE." (Mt 12:21)

In his first epistle to Timothy we read about the ultimate source of hope...

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1)

In Romans Paul emphasizes the association of hope and Jesus writing...

And again Isaiah says, "THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE." (see note Romans 15:12)

Peter also associates hope and God writing...

For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (see notes 1 Peter 2:20; 21)

Wuest adds that

The phrase “in the Lord” tells us that Paul’s every thought, word, and deed proceeded from the Lord as the center of his volition. Paul says in effect, “My hope is not an idle one, but one that is founded on faith in the Lord.”  (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans or Logos)

Since all believers are in Christ (see related topics - in Christ and in Christ Jesus), this vital union should influence every thought and activity.

Dwight Edwards writes that...

Though Paul couldn't be there himself, he felt responsible for their spiritual welfare. So, first he writes them this letter. Now, he tells of his expectation to send Timothy to them. "Hope" is more than a wishful hope--it is "confident expectation." Note where Paul's expectation was grounded. Not in Timothy but the Lord Jesus. The same Lord who commissioned Paul would also send Paul's son in the faith. Note the sense of urgency Paul is feeling towards these believers. He didn't just leave their spiritual maturity up to God, he felt keenly responsible also. (Philippians)

Timothy (Greek Timotheus) (Holman Dictionary Article) (and later Epaphroditus) are now cited as two more examples of self-sacrificing love (the previous examples being the Lord Jesus and Paul himself) and all were willing to pour out their lives to death for the sake of others. Where are the men of like minded selflessness, passion and conviction in the church in America today?

so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition: hina kago eupsucho (1SPAS) gnous (AAPMSN) ta peri humo: (Phil 2:28; 1Th 3:6-8; 2Th 1:3; Phile 1:5-7; 3Jn 1:3 1:4)

that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you (NIV)

This I purpose not for your sakes only but for my own also; that hearing how you fare, I may take heart (Lightfoot)

in order that I also may be of good cheer, having come to know of your circumstances (Wuest)

Also (2532) indicates that, while the saints at Philippi will be comforted by Timothy’s presence, Paul anticipates comfort for himself by the message Timothy will bring concerning them when he returns to Paul.

May be encouraged (2174) (eupsucheo from eú = well + psuche = soul, mind)  is  literally “well-souled" and speaks of the well-being of one’s soul, and to be animated or in good spirits. Eupsucheo is found commonly on sepulchral inscriptions meaning "be of good cheer" which of course would only be true for those who fell asleep in Christ! Present tense describes a continual attitude.

Learn (1097) (ginosko) means to learn by experience.

Dwight Edwards writes that...

"So that" would appear to be introducing a purpose clause. Timothy would report to him the things concerning those believers. And Paul was so keenly interested in them that his soul would be encouraged and refreshed by what he heard. Apparently he expected to hear favorable things! We see Paul's selflessness in where his soul derives joy--from the things concerning others. (Philippians)

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Encouraging People: Encouraging others is a vital ministry. But Paul's letter to the Philippians illustrates that it can also be costly.

Even though he was sitting in prison and benefiting from Timothy's fellowship, Paul planned to send him to minister to the Philippians and learn how they were doing. He chose Timothy because all others focused on themselves rather than on Christ (Philippians 2:21). A good report from him would encourage Paul (see note Philippians 2:19).  Epaphroditus was also a man who practiced selfless encouragement. He was a representative from the Philippian church. While visiting and helping Paul he had become sick and nearly died. His greatest concern was not over his own critical illness, but that his home church had heard about it and he didn't want them to be unduly distressed (see note Philippians 2:26). We see in Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus the secret of true encouragement--self-giving without self-pity. It is clearly self-forgetfulness.

Do you want to be an encouraging Christian? Remember, the ultimate source of encouragement is not people but God. Go to Him for fresh encouragement--then go out and encourage others. --J E Yoder  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

It may seem insignificant
To say a word or two,
But when it is encouragement,
What wonders it can do! --K. De Haan

Even if you have nothing else to give,
you can give encouragement.