“But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Philippians 2:22-26, NIV
How did Paul perceive himself?
As a drink offering being poured out on the sacrifice of faith that the saints in Philippi were offering to God. It (the daily sacrificial lamb) is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in Mount Sinai for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord.
“The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a Hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the LORD at the sanctuary. Numbers 28:6-7 NIV”

How did Paul feel about his being a drink offering added to the sacrifice of faith of the saints? He was full of rejoicing in fellowship with them. What did Paul urge the saints to do? To enter his rejoicing in the fellowship of joy. What was Pauls hope in Christ? That he soon would be able to send Timothy to them so that Paul’s mind would be set at ease when he was certain of the condition of the church in Philippi. Why would Paul be able to trust Timothy’s report of the condition of the saints in Philippi?
Because Paul regarded Timothy as one who was as dedicated and sincere as himself with respect to the work of the Gospel of Christ. Paul knew of no other man who would care for the spiritual warfare of the saints with a fatherly concern equal to his own.