Philippians 1:1

¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095}, the servants {G1401} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, to all {G3956} the saints {G40} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} which are {G5607} at {G1722} Philippi {G5375}, with {G4862} the bishops {G1985} and {G2532} deacons {G1249}:

From: Sha’ul and Timothy, slaves of the Messiah Yeshua

To: All God’s people united with the Messiah Yeshua and living in Philippi, along with the congregation leaders and shammashim:

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Commentary

Philippians 1:1 serves as the salutation of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, immediately establishing the authors, their identity, and the recipients, including specific leadership roles within the Christian community.

Context

The Epistle to the Philippians is one of Paul's "Prison Epistles," likely written during his imprisonment in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62). Philippi was a significant Roman colony in Macedonia, and its church was the first Christian community Paul established in Europe, as detailed in Acts 16. The Philippian believers had a deep and affectionate relationship with Paul, evident in their consistent support for his ministry. This opening verse sets a tone of humility and partnership, characteristic of Paul's relationship with this particular congregation.

Key Themes

  • Authorship and Partnership: The letter is penned by Paul and his faithful companion, Timotheus (Timothy). Timothy was a trusted co-worker who accompanied Paul on many missionary journeys, demonstrating a collaborative spirit in ministry.
  • Identity in Christ: Paul and Timothy identify themselves as "the servants of Jesus Christ." The Greek word for servant here is douloi (δοῦλοι), which implies more than just a hired hand; it signifies a bond-servant or slave, emphasizing complete devotion and submission to Christ's will. The recipients are addressed as "all the saints in Christ Jesus," highlighting their holy and set-apart status by virtue of their union with Christ. This foundational identity in Christ is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, underscoring that believers are defined by their relationship with Him.
  • The Church at Philippi: The letter is addressed to the entire Christian community in Philippi, encompassing all believers. This inclusive address emphasizes the unity of the church.
  • Church Leadership: Uniquely, Paul specifically mentions "with the bishops and deacons." This indicates an established organizational structure within the early church at Philippi, acknowledging distinct roles of oversight (bishops/overseers) and service (deacons/ministers). These titles reflect the practical functions within the local assembly.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Servants" (δοῦλοι - douloi): As mentioned, this term denotes a bond-slave, emphasizing absolute ownership and loyalty to a master. For Paul, this was a title of honor and deep commitment to Christ.
  • "Saints" (ἁγίοις - hagiois): This word means "holy ones" or "set apart." It doesn't imply moral perfection but rather a status of being consecrated to God through faith in Christ. Every believer is a saint by position, called to live a holy life. This concept is vital for understanding Christian identity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:2.
  • "Bishops" (ἐπισκόποις - episkopois): This term translates to "overseers" or "supervisors." It refers to those who had a pastoral and administrative responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Their qualifications are further detailed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
  • "Deacons" (διακόνοις - diakonois): Meaning "servants" or "ministers," deacons were those who rendered practical service to the church, often in areas like assisting the needy or managing practical affairs. Their qualifications are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

Practical Application

Philippians 1:1 reminds us of several timeless truths for believers today:

  • Our Primary Identity: Like Paul and Timothy, our greatest identity is found in being "servants of Jesus Christ." This calls us to a life of humble devotion and obedience to Him.
  • Our Collective Identity: We are all "saints in Christ Jesus," set apart by God. This shared identity fosters unity and reminds us of our common purpose and belonging within the body of Christ.
  • The Importance of Leadership: The mention of bishops and deacons underscores the biblical pattern for structured leadership within the local church. These roles are essential for guiding, nurturing, and serving the congregation.
  • The Universal Church: While addressed to a specific church, the principles of this greeting apply to all believers everywhere, emphasizing the universal fellowship of those who are in Christ Jesus.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 1:1 (18 votes)

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

  • Acts 16:12 (13 votes)

    And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, [and] a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

  • Acts 16:15 (13 votes)

    And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

  • Romans 1:1 (13 votes)

    ¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

  • Colossians 1:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,

  • Colossians 1:2 (7 votes)

    To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Titus 1:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;