Philippians 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 1:1 serves as a foundational salutation, introducing the Apostle Paul and Timothy as "servants of Jesus Christ" and addressing the letter to "all the saints in Christ Jesus" at Philippi, specifically acknowledging the "bishops and deacons." This opening verse immediately establishes the authors' humble yet authoritative identity, defines the recipients by their spiritual union with Christ, and highlights the early church's structured leadership, setting a tone of shared purpose, spiritual identity, and communal order for the letter's subsequent themes of joy, unity, and perseverance in the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 1:1 functions as the standard Greco-Roman epistolary opening, yet it is imbued with profound theological meaning. As one of Paul's "Prison Epistles," likely penned during his imprisonment in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62), this salutation immediately establishes the letter's authorship and its intended audience. Unlike some of Paul's more confrontational letters, the tone here is one of deep affection, partnership, and shared joy, which is consistent with the overall tenor of the entire epistle. The specific mention of "bishops and deacons" in the opening, a detail not always present in Paul's other salutations, suggests an already established and organized church structure in Philippi, hinting at the practical and pastoral concerns that will unfold in the letter, such as unity and perseverance in the face of external pressures. The subsequent verses of the chapter, particularly [Philippians 1:3-8](/philippians/1-3-8 "Philippians 1:3-8 - Paul's Affection for the Philippians"), express Paul's profound gratitude and affection for the Philippian believers, reinforcing the warm relationship implied by this initial greeting.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a significant Roman colony in Macedonia, founded by Philip II of Macedon and later becoming a prominent city under Roman rule. Its status as a Roman colony meant its citizens enjoyed certain privileges, and its culture was heavily influenced by Roman customs and governance. The church in Philippi was the first Christian community Paul established in Europe, a pivotal event recounted in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Macedonian Call and Philippian Ministry"). Paul's ministry there began with Lydia, a businesswoman, and included the conversion of the jailer, demonstrating the diverse social strata reached by the gospel. The Philippian believers had a uniquely supportive and affectionate relationship with Paul, frequently sending financial aid to him, as acknowledged later in the letter ([Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippians' Generosity")). The presence of "bishops and deacons" indicates that by the time of this letter, the Philippian church, though relatively young, had developed a recognized and functional leadership structure, reflecting the organic growth and organization typical of early Christian communities.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the Epistle to the Philippians. Firstly, it underscores **Authorship and Partnership**, with Paul explicitly including Timothy, highlighting the collaborative nature of apostolic ministry and the importance of faithful co-laborers in the gospel. Secondly, it emphasizes **Identity in Christ**, defining both the authors ("servants of Jesus Christ") and the recipients ("saints in Christ Jesus") by their profound union with Christ. This identity is foundational, shaping their purpose, status, and conduct, and is a recurring emphasis in Paul's theology, as seen in passages like [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Church Structure and Leadership**, uniquely specifying "bishops and deacons." This detail points to the early church's development of organized roles for oversight and service, which were crucial for the community's spiritual health and practical functioning. Finally, the inclusive address to "all the saints" at Philippi subtly introduces the theme of **Unity and Fellowship**, which Paul will later exhort them to maintain ([Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Paul's Exhortation to Unity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant. Paul's self-identification as a "servant" (δοῦλος) of Jesus Christ is not a statement of low social standing but a profound theological declaration. It signifies complete devotion, absolute submission, and willing ownership by Christ. For Paul, this was a title of honor and deep commitment, indicating that his life, ministry, and very being were entirely dedicated to his divine Master, echoing the ultimate humility of Christ Himself.
* **Saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** From (an awful thing) (compare ἁγνός, θάλπω); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint. The term "saints" (ἁγίοις) refers to believers as those who are "holy ones" or "set apart" by God. This status is not earned through moral perfection but is a positional holiness bestowed through their union with Christ. Every believer is a saint by virtue of being consecrated to God and called into His covenant relationship, implying a call to live in accordance with that consecrated status.
* **Bishops (Greek, _epískopos'_):** From ἐπί and σκοπός (in the sense of ἐπισκοπέω); a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively):--bishop, overseer. This term (ἐπίσκοπος) denotes those entrusted with oversight, supervision, and pastoral responsibility within the local church. They were the spiritual leaders responsible for guiding, teaching, and caring for the flock, ensuring the spiritual well-being and doctrinal purity of the congregation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,"**: This opening identifies the letter's authors. Paul, the primary apostle to the Gentiles, includes Timothy, his trusted co-worker and spiritual son, highlighting their shared commitment to Christ and collaborative ministry. Their self-designation as "servants" (δοῦλοι) signifies their complete allegiance and submission to Jesus Christ, emphasizing that their authority and mission derive solely from Him.
* **"to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,"**: This clause specifies the broad audience of the letter. "All the saints" underscores the inclusive nature of the Christian community, encompassing every believer in Philippi, regardless of social status or background. The crucial phrase "in Christ Jesus" defines their new identity and spiritual reality; their standing as "saints" (holy ones) is not inherent but is a result of their mystical union with Christ, through whom they are set apart and consecrated to God.
* **"with the bishops and deacons:"**: This unique addition to the salutation acknowledges specific leadership roles within the Philippian church. "Bishops" (ἐπίσκοποι, overseers) refers to those with pastoral and administrative oversight, while "deacons" (διάκονοι, servants/ministers) refers to those who provided practical service and ministry within the community. Their explicit mention signifies an established and recognized organizational structure within this early Christian assembly, indicating the importance of ordered leadership for the church's health and functioning.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 1:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Salutation**, a standard feature of ancient letters, which here serves to formally introduce the authors and recipients, setting the stage for the communication. The use of **Identification** is crucial, as Paul and Timothy define themselves not by worldly status but by their spiritual relationship as "servants of Jesus Christ," establishing a humble yet authoritative posture. Similarly, the recipients are identified as "saints in Christ Jesus," emphasizing their new, divinely-granted status. The phrase "all the saints" demonstrates **Inclusivity**, highlighting the unity and comprehensive nature of the Christian community in Philippi. The specific mention of "bishops and deacons" is a form of **Formal Address** that acknowledges and validates the established leadership structure within the local church, lending weight to their roles and to the letter's contents as relevant to the entire body, including its leaders. This precise naming of roles also serves as a subtle form of **Categorization**, distinguishing specific functions within the broader assembly of "saints."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:1 lays a theological cornerstone for understanding Christian identity, ministry, and community. The self-designation of Paul and Timothy as "servants of Jesus Christ" establishes the paradigm for all Christian ministry: it is not self-appointed or self-serving, but a humble, devoted service to the Lord. This bond-servant relationship underscores Christ's ultimate authority and ownership over His followers. Furthermore, the address to "all the saints in Christ Jesus" emphasizes that every believer, regardless of their background or role, shares a common, holy identity rooted in their spiritual union with Christ. This positional holiness is the basis for their calling to live lives consecrated to God. The inclusion of "bishops and deacons" highlights the New Testament pattern of organized church leadership, demonstrating that spiritual order and practical service are integral to the flourishing of the local assembly, reflecting God's design for His people to be shepherded and served. This verse, therefore, affirms that the church is a community defined by its shared identity in Christ, united in service to Him, and structured for mutual edification and gospel proclamation.

* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 1:1 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and the church. Our primary identity, like Paul and Timothy, is to be "servants of Jesus Christ." This calls us to a life of humble devotion, recognizing that our purpose and direction are found in submitting to His will and serving His kingdom. This identity transcends all earthly titles and achievements, grounding our worth and mission in Christ alone. Moreover, recognizing ourselves and fellow believers as "saints in Christ Jesus" fosters a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. It reminds us that our holiness is a gift, a status bestowed by God through faith, which then compels us to live out that calling in practical purity and love. This shared identity should break down barriers and promote genuine fellowship within the body of Christ. Finally, the mention of "bishops and deacons" underscores the enduring importance of biblical leadership within the local church. These roles, whether called by these specific titles or others, are essential for spiritual oversight, teaching, and practical service, ensuring the church is well-equipped to fulfill its mission. This verse encourages us to appreciate and support those in leadership while also recognizing our own call to service within the broader community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does identifying as a "servant of Jesus Christ" shape your daily priorities and sense of purpose?**
* **In what ways does understanding your identity as a "saint in Christ Jesus" impact your view of yourself and other believers?**
* **How can you better support and pray for the "bishops and deacons" (or equivalent leadership) in your local church?**
* **What practical steps can your church take to embody the unity and service implied by this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul and Timothy calling themselves "servants of Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: The term "servants" (Greek: _doûlos_) here is significant because it literally means "slave" or "bond-servant." For Paul and Timothy, this was not a derogatory term but a title of honor and profound theological meaning. It signifies their complete and willing submission, devotion, and ownership by Jesus Christ. It highlights that their authority, mission, and very lives were entirely dedicated to Christ, reflecting a radical commitment that put Christ's will above their own. This identity as Christ's bond-servants formed the bedrock of their apostolic ministry, emphasizing their role as instruments of God's grace rather than independent agents, as seen in Paul's consistent emphasis on his calling by Christ throughout his letters, such as in [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant of Christ Jesus").

**Who were the "saints in Christ Jesus" at Philippi?**

Answer: The "saints" (Greek: _hágios_) refers to all believers in Philippi. In biblical terms, "saint" does not imply moral perfection, but rather a status of being "holy" or "set apart" by God. This holiness is positional, granted to believers through their faith and union "in Christ Jesus." It means they are consecrated to God, separated from the world for His purposes, and belong to His covenant community. Therefore, "all the saints" encompasses every Christian in the city, from new converts to mature leaders, emphasizing their shared identity and spiritual standing before God through their relationship with Christ, a concept central to Paul's understanding of the church as expressed in [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - To the Saints in Ephesus").

**What roles did the "bishops and deacons" play in the early church at Philippi?**

Answer: The mention of "bishops" (Greek: _epískopos_, meaning "overseers" or "superintendents") and "deacons" (Greek: _diákonos_, meaning "servants" or "ministers") indicates an established, organized leadership structure within the Philippian church. Bishops were responsible for the spiritual oversight, teaching, and pastoral care of the congregation, ensuring doctrinal purity and guiding the community. Deacons, on the other hand, were primarily involved in practical service, such as caring for the needy, managing church resources, and assisting the bishops in various ministries. These roles were distinct yet complementary, essential for the healthy functioning and growth of the early Christian community, with qualifications for these offices later detailed in [1 Timothy 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons") and [Titus 1](/titus/1 "Titus 1 - Qualifications for Elders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:1, though a salutation, profoundly points to Christ as the source and center of all Christian identity and ministry. Paul and Timothy's self-designation as "servants of Jesus Christ" finds its ultimate meaning in Christ Himself, who perfectly embodied servanthood. He, though God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), demonstrating that true greatness and authority are found in humble obedience to God's will. The recipients are "saints in Christ Jesus," highlighting that their holy status is not inherent but is a gift bestowed through their union with Christ's perfect righteousness and sacrificial work on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). It is through His atoning death and resurrection that believers are set apart and consecrated to God. Furthermore, the very existence and structure of the church, with its "bishops and deacons," are ultimately Christ-centered. Christ is the "head of the church" ([Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), the Chief Shepherd ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")), who gifts and empowers leaders for the equipping of the saints for ministry ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")). Thus, Philippians 1:1, in its concise greeting, powerfully encapsulates the truth that all Christian life, leadership, and community flow from and find their purpose in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ 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

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

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

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

Colossians 1:1

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

Colossians 1:2

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

¶ 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;