Paul is certainly living in uncertain times. He is in prison, and his talk of “being poured out like a drink offering” means that he may have also thought he would die there. But God has not left this faithful church without a Shepherd. Paul wants to send both Timothy and Epaphroditus; one is his star pupil, and the other is a Philippian Christian who came to Paul on behalf of them. God brings his body together for his purposes, and his Spirit is with us always to guide all.