Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't start by asserting his apostolic authority, but by humbly calling himself and Timothy "servants of Christ Jesus." This intentional choice highlights that their primary identity and service stem from their relationship with Christ, not just their title.
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves as humble servants of Jesus Christ, send greetings to all believers in Philippi. This letter isn't just to the whole church; it specifically acknowledges the spiritual leaders, the overseers and deacons, who played a crucial role in the church's life and in supporting Paul.
Ever wondered if you're 'saintly' enough for God? The Bible uses this term for all believers, not just those canonized centuries later. Let's unpack what it truly means to be a saint in Christ.
In Philippians 1:1, Paul addresses the believers in Philippi as 'saints.' This word, 'hagios' in Greek, doesn't refer to a special elite group with superhuman qualities. Instead, it describes anyone who has been set apart, consecrated, and dedicated to God through their faith in Jesus Christ.
A Holy Nation
Think back to the Old Testament. God called Israel His 'holy nation,' separated from the surrounding peoples. This identity wasn't based on their perfect behavior, but on God's choice and covenant with them. The New Testament applies this same concept to believers in Christ. Through Jesus, we are brought into a new covenant, declared holy, and set apart for God's purposes.
Not About Perfection, But Position
This means being a 'saint' is less about your personal performance and more about your positional standing in Christ. It’s a gift and an identity given to you by God. While it certainly calls us to live a life that reflects this holiness, the basis of our sainthood is God’s work, not our own effort.
Paul and Timothy introduce themselves not as mighty apostles, but as 'servants.' What does this humble title reveal about their heart and mission?
Paul and Timothy identify themselves as 'douloi' – bondservants – of Christ Jesus. This Greek word carries a weightier meaning than our modern term 'servant.' It speaks of absolute ownership and devoted allegiance.
Radical Devotion
When Paul and Timothy call themselves 'bondservants,' they are declaring that their lives belong entirely to Christ. They are not their own, but bought with a price, and their ultimate purpose is to serve their Master.
A Shared Identity
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun
A term describing one who has been set apart by God for His purposes and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ; it denotes holiness and belonging to God's people.
en Christō Iēsou · Greek Prepositional Phrase
Refers to the state of being spiritually united with Jesus, dwelling in His life, righteousness, and authority, which is the foundational identity of the believer.
episkopos · Greek Noun
Individuals tasked with the spiritual oversight, shepherding, and protection of the local church; often equated with elders or pastors in the New Testament.
diakonos · Greek Noun
Servants appointed to care for the physical and practical needs of the church community, modeling the servanthood of Christ.
The familiar and warm tone of Paul's greeting, where he and Timothy are simply called 'servants' and his apostolic authority isn't explicitly stated, highlights the deep, personal bond he shares with the Philippian believers. This closeness stems from their shared history, including his founding of their church and Timothy's long association with them.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Visit to Philippi
Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, establishes the first church in Europe at Philippi. This marks a significant moment in the expansion of Christianity.
c. AD 53-54
Paul's Second Visit to Philippi
Paul revisits Philippi during his third missionary journey, further strengthening the church he had founded.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest. During this time, he writes several epistles, including Philippians.
c. AD 63
Epaphroditus Delivers the Letter
Epaphroditus, a messenger from the Philippian church, delivers their contribution to Paul in Rome and carries this letter back to Philippi.
This passage describes Paul and Timothy's first visit to Philippi, establishing their foundational connection to the church they are now addressing.
Romans 1:7This is another of Paul's epistles where he addresses believers as 'saints,' highlighting the consistent biblical understanding of believers as set apart for God, regardless of their location.
1 Corinthians 1:2Similar to Philippians, this passage also addresses the church as 'saints' and emphasizes their calling and identity in Christ Jesus, reinforcing the theme of spiritual identity.
1 Timothy 3:1-13This passage provides detailed qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons, offering insight into the roles and responsibilities of the church leaders Paul mentions in his greeting.
1 Peter 2:9This verse describes believers as a 'holy nation,' echoing the Old Testament concept of Israel being set apart, and providing a broader theological context for the term 'saints' used in Philippians.
vincentPhilippians 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:"
PaulThe official designation is omitted, as in 1 and 2 Thessalonians nd Philemon. It is not easy to explain the use or omission of the title apostle in all cases. Here, and in Philemon and 1 Thessalonians, its omission may be accounted for by the general, unofficial, personal, affectionate character of the letter. In 2 Corinthians nd Galatia…
barnesPhilippians 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 and Timotheus - Paul frequently unites some person with him in his epistles; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 1:1 . It is clear from this, that Timothy was with Paul at Rome. Why he was there is unknown. It is evident that he was not there as a prisoner with Paul, and the probability is, that he was one of the friends who had gone to Rome…
Paul doesn't start by asserting his apostolic authority, but by humbly calling himself and Timothy "servants of Christ Jesus." This intentional choice highlights that their primary identity and service stem from their relationship with Christ, not just their title.
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves as humble servants of Jesus Christ, send greetings to all believers in Philippi. This letter isn't just to the whole church; it specifically acknowledges the spiritual leaders, the overseers and deacons, who played a crucial role in the church's life and in supporting Paul.
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves as humble servants of Jesus Christ, send greetings to all believers in Philippi. This letter isn't just to the whole church; it specifically acknowledges the spiritual leaders, the overseers and deacons, who played a crucial role in the church's life and in supporting Paul.
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Notice that they use this title for themselves, but then address the entire church as 'saints.' This beautifully illustrates the relational dynamic: those in leadership are bondservants within the larger family of God, which is made up of fellow saints. Their service is not about lording over others, but about serving alongside them under the same Lord.
Right from the start, Paul acknowledges the leaders in Philippi. Who were these 'overseers' and 'deacons,' and why are they mentioned so early?
In this opening greeting, Paul specifically mentions 'overseers' (bishops) and 'deacons.' These were foundational roles within the early church, essential for its functioning and care.
Overseers (Bishops)
This term, 'episkopos,' literally means 'overseer.' In the context of the New Testament, it referred to those who provided spiritual guidance and oversight to the church community. Importantly, the scholarly context shows that 'bishop' and 'elder' (or 'presbyter') were often used interchangeably in this early period. These leaders were tasked with the spiritual well-being and shepherding of the believers.
Deacons
The word 'deacon' comes from a Greek term meaning 'servant.' While 'servant' is a broad term, 'deacon' specifically refers to those appointed to practical service within the church, often involving care for the needy, the sick, and the distribution of resources. The origin of this office is famously linked to the needs of widows in Acts chapter 6. These roles were vital for the church's health, ensuring both spiritual direction and practical care were provided.
A Community of Service
Paul's inclusion of these leaders alongside the 'saints' highlights the interconnectedness of the church. Everyone, from the leaders to every believer, is a 'saint' called to serve God. The leaders are specifically designated to facilitate that service and care within the community.
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:" — Paul doesn't start by asserting his apostolic authority, but by humbly calling himself and Timothy "servants of Christ Jesus." This intentional choice highlights that their primary identity and servi…
