Philippians 1:1
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This seemingly simple greeting subtly includes the entire church community, not just leaders. Paul addresses "all the saints" first, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ, before mentioning the overseers and deacons alongside them, showing that every believer is called holy and part of the church's fabric.
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)
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves humbly as "servants" rather than asserting their apostolic authority, send this letter to the believers in Philippi. They address "all the saints," which encompasses the entire church community, and specifically include the leaders: the overseers (or bishops) and deacons, acknowledging their role within the church body. This opening sets a warm, personal tone for a letter written from Paul while imprisoned, likely with Timothy by his side.
Ever feel like your title or job defines you? Paul starts this letter with a surprisingly simple, yet profound, self-description. What does it mean for us today to be 'servants'?
Paul and Timothy identify themselves not by their apostolic authority or accomplishments, but as 'servants of Christ Jesus.' This isn't just a humble title; it's a declaration of ownership.
Rooted in Service
The letter is addressed to 'saints.' Does that word bring to mind halos and stained glass, or something more immediate and real for your everyday life?
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Paul addresses the believers in Philippi as 'saints.' This isn't a title reserved for a select few, but a designation for all who are 'in Christ Jesus.'
Set Apart for God
Paul mentions 'overseers and deacons' alongside the 'saints.' What does this tell us about the structure and interconnectedness of the early church?
The inclusion of 'overseers' (episkopois) and 'deacons' (diakonois) in the greeting is significant. It shows a church that is both a community of believers and an organized body.
Structure and Service within the Church
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.
Paul's greeting to the Philippians as 'servants of Christ Jesus,' alongside Timothy, reflects their intimate and familiar relationship, eschewing the formal title of 'apostle' because his authority was not being challenged by this beloved church.
c. AD 49
Paul's First Visit to Philippi
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, establishes the first Christian church in Europe at Philippi during his second missionary journey. This event lays the foundation for the close relationship between Paul and the Philippian believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Visit to Philippi
Paul revisits Philippi during his third missionary journey, further strengthening the church and its bonds with him. Timothy likely remained in the region or visited independently during this period.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest. This period of confinement allows him to write several epistles, including Philippians.
c. AD 60-62
Timothy Joins Paul in Rome
Timothy, a close companion and fellow worker of Paul, joins him in Rome during his imprisonment. He is mentioned in the opening of the letter, indicating his presence and involvement.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphroditus Delivers the Letter
Epaphroditus, a messenger from the Philippian church, brings their gifts and support to Paul in Rome. He likely carries this letter back to Philippi, potentially with news of Paul's well-being and the church's contributions.
This passage describes the founding of the Philippian church by Paul and Timothy, establishing the deep connection between these leaders and the community they are addressing.
1 Corinthians 1:2Like Philippians, this letter is addressed to 'the church of God that is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy,' highlighting the common New Testament understanding of believers as 'saints.'
Romans 1:7This verse also addresses 'all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints,' reinforcing the idea that the term 'saints' refers to all believers, set apart by God.
1 Timothy 3:1-13This passage provides detailed qualifications for 'overseers' (bishops) and 'deacons,' offering context for the specific roles mentioned in Paul's greeting to the Philippians.
Hebrews 13:17This verse speaks of 'obeying your leaders and submitting to them,' underscoring the importance of church leadership, as indicated by the mention of overseers and deacons 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…
This seemingly simple greeting subtly includes the entire church community, not just leaders. Paul addresses "all the saints" first, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ, before mentioning the overseers and deacons alongside them, showing that every believer is called holy and part of the church's fabric.
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves humbly as "servants" rather than asserting their apostolic authority, send this letter to the believers in Philippi. They address "all the saints," which encompasses the entire church community, and specifically include the leaders: the overseers (or bishops) and deacons, acknowledging their role within the church body. This opening sets a warm, personal tone for a letter written from Paul while imprisoned, likely with Timothy by his side.
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves humbly as "servants" rather than asserting their apostolic authority, send this letter to the believers in Philippi. They address "all the saints," which encompasses the entire church community, and specifically include the leaders: the overseers (or bishops) and deacons, acknowledging their role within the church body. This opening sets a warm, personal tone for a letter written from Paul while imprisoned, likely with Timothy by his side.
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:" — This seemingly simple greeting subtly includes the entire church community, not just leaders. Paul addresses "all the saints" first, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ, before mentioning t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
