For I have no one else of kindred spirit: oudena gar echo (1SPAI) isopsuchon (Phil 2:2, 22; Ps 55:13; Pr 31:29; Jn 10:13; 12:6; 1Cor 1:10,11; Col 4:11; 1Ti 1:2; 2Ti 1:5)

Have (2192) (echo) means to have or hold and so to possess. Paul possessed no one else like Timothy.

No one else (3762)  (oudeis from ou = not + dé = but + heis = one) is literally "but absolutely not one" or not even one. This is a very sad commentary. It reminds one of Paul's statements to Timothy shortly before he died...

You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. (see note 2Timothy 1:15)

Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (see note 2Timothy 4:10)

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. (see note 2Timothy 4:16)

Kindred spirit (2473)  (isopsuchos from ísos = equal + psuche = soul, mind) is literally one of equal soul, thus like–minded or of like character and is activated by the same motives.

Timothy was then a man after Paul's own heart, one in thought, feeling, and spirit with Paul in love for the church. Mathematically speaking their "triangles were congruent." The idea is that Timothy thought like Paul and had a similar perspective so that he would likely interpret situation much like Paul would if he had been present. Paul could rely on any report from Timothy as being similar to one he himself would have brought back.

Note that being "likesouled" does not mean Paul and Timothy always agreed but it does mean that being alongside each other was easy so that neither had to work hard at the relationship and things flowed smoothly between them. 

We all have numerous acquaintances and a few close friends in our life, but finding a "likesouled" one is a most unusual and delightful discovery. When it happens, both parties sense the kindred bond and neither has to convince the other that they have a oneness of spirit. Such was Paul's great joy and delight in his protégée Timothy who stood out as a rare gem in a world of self-seekers.

Is there a person or people in your life you are influencing to multiply your ministry? That is the way the gospel and other ministry spreads.

Vine notes that isopsuchos...

 is used in the Septuagint (LXX) of Psalm 55:13, “thou, O man likeminded.” A similar phrase is found in Deuteronomy 13:6, “a friend equal to thy soul.” (Vine, W.  Collected Writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

Paul now gives one of the most important characteristics of being "kindred spirits" -- a genuine concern for the welfare of others. What Paul had been discussing in Phil 2:3-5 (see note Philippians 2:3-4; 2:5), he and Timothy were doing in everyday life. They were not just putting on a show of affection for these believers, they were sincerely concerned about their estate. It is a sign of spiritual maturity to not merely have much (knowledge) but to care much.

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Encouraging People - A political leader, summing up the brokenness of our time, talked about a "Humpty-Dumpty world." The intriguing phrase takes us back to a childhood nursery rhyme:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again.

The message of that old rhyme is true to life. Man is broken and needs to be put together again. The Creator of the universe cares about our situation and has taken steps to restore us to wholeness. He came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, and He fashioned the church as His body so that the members should "care for one another" (1Corinthians 12:25). Timothy demonstrated that kind of care for Paul, and for other believers (Philippians 2:18-22).

Caring is as basic as giving money to help destitute Christians or looking after aged parents; as simple as being patient and kind or visiting widows and orphans in distress; as obvious as paying a just wage to employees; or as unspectacular as giving a cup of cool water to someone who thirsts. That's how our Savior would have us care for broken people in our Humpty-Dumpty world. Are we letting Jesus care through us? —H W Robinson  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

A gentle word, a kindly deed
To help the ones who have a need,
A smile that Christ's great love imparts—
Such caring stands to win their hearts. —Brandt

If you really care, you'll want to share.
See also (What Is Real Love?)

Encouragers Needed (Please Apply) - Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. While they may not be distressed about health, family, or work, they're discouraged about their spiritual service. They compare themselves to others who are gifted with musical talents or the ability to teach the Bible. They see people who are able to give generously and pray with evident effectiveness, but they think they can't do these things. As a result, they feel they are useless to God. They need to realize, however, that every Christian is qualified to carry on at least one helpful ministry--the ministry of encouragement.

Renowned preacher Robert Dale was walking one day in Birmingham, England, where he was pastoring the great Carr's Lane Church. He was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came up to him and exclaimed,

"God bless you, Dr. Dale. If you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times!"

Then off she hurried. Dale later testified,

"The mist broke, the sunlight came, and I breathed the free air of the mountains of God."

The apostle Paul knew how important it was not only to be encouraged by others (Phil. 2:19) but to be an encourager (Acts 20:2; 27:35-36). That's a ministry all of us can be involved in. --V C Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

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who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare: hostis gnesios ta peri humon merimnesei, (3SFAI)  (1Sa 18:1,3)

Genuinely (1104)  (gnesios is an adverb derived from génos = born) ((gnesios, literally is born in wedlock; thus, “like a brother”) when referring to children meant those of born in wedlock and so legitimately or lawfully born. The related noun form gnesios is used figuratively in the NT to describe one who is genuine, true and not degenerate. Gnesios described the relation of a disciple to his teacher. For example in the introduction of Titus Paul writes

"to Titus, my true child in a common faith" (see note Titus 1:4).

The word "true" is the noun form, gnesios, and describes Titus as one who is a legitimate, truly born again believer. So Timothy was like a real, born son naturally cares for his father’s interests and not in pretence only. Timothy had a genuine sense of responsibility. He was a straight shooter. He was a person you could count upon to get at the truth of the matter. In the present context the emphasis is upon the sincere concern Timothy had for the Philippian saints which explains his selection as emissary from Paul.  Timothy was the "genuine article" or the "real thing" as we might say today.

Be concerned (3309) (merimnao from mérimna = anxious care in turn from merizo = to divide or draw different directions - which is exactly what anxiety does to most of us!) (Click in depth word study) means to have an anxious concern, give one’s thought to a matter, and expresses a strong feeling for something or someone, often to the point of being burdened.

Timothy could be depended upon to have a very real and appropriate "anxious concern" about the welfare of the Philippians. Paul uses this same verb later in a "negative" sense telling his beloved saints to "be anxious (merimnao) for nothing" (see note Philippians 4:6) the contrasting meanings of the same verb illustrating the importance of context in accurate interpretation. In the present verse being anxious (caring, concerned) is a good thing. Similarly, using the related noun form (merimna) Paul described

"the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches." (2Cor 11:28)

When Timothy was with others, his heart was sincerely touched by their needs. Read the next verse to also help understand something of Timothy's concern -- he did seek after his own interests but those of Christ Jesus. Timothy was unique in his selfless (cf see note Philippians 2:3-4) unselfish care for the spiritual condition of the Philippians. There was no one else whom Paul could send to them with the same confidence. Timothy was truly a man who was more "other-centered" than "self-centered."

 It is not what is on the label; it is what is inside that counts. We can lead in name only by our title or we can lead by character and responsibility.

Josiah Holland wrote

GOD, GIVE US MEN!