Philippians 1 1

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:

Philippians 1:1 nkjv

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Philippians 1:1 niv

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Philippians 1:1 esv

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

Philippians 1:1 nlt

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 1 Meaning

Philippians 1:1 serves as the standard salutation of the letter, identifying the senders and recipients, while establishing the spiritual identity and relationship between them. It declares Paul and Timothy as humble servants of Christ Jesus, addressing all believers in Philippi, recognizing their unique identity "in Christ," and specifically acknowledging the established church leadership, the overseers and deacons, within the community.

Philippians 1 1 Context

Philippians 1:1 begins Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, written likely during his imprisonment, either in Rome or Ephesus. This verse is the conventional greeting in Greco-Roman letters, immediately identifying the author(s) and recipient(s). Within the broader context of Philippians, this letter stands out for its tone of joy, affection, and gratitude, despite Paul's circumstances. The Philippian church held a special place in Paul's heart; they were his faithful partners in the gospel from the beginning of their planting in Acts 16, notably being the first church established by Paul in Europe. The inclusion of "overseers and deacons" in the address is distinctive among Paul's salutations, signaling the Philippian church's mature organizational structure and Paul's specific recognition of their established leadership roles. This first verse sets a tone of shared humility in Christ and shared identity among believers, laying the groundwork for themes of unity, endurance, and joyful perseverance that permeate the entire epistle.

Philippians 1 1 Word analysis

• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos): A Roman cognomen meaning "small" or "humble." Formerly known as Saul, his adoption of this name reflects his identification with the Gentiles and perhaps a personal humility. By beginning with his name, he establishes authorship.
• and Timothy (καὶ Τιμόθεος - kai Timotheos): Timothy was Paul's trusted companion, co-worker, and spiritual son (cf. 1 Tim 1:2). His inclusion signifies not co-equal apostolic authority in authorship, but rather solidarity, endorsement, and Paul's mentoring role. It emphasizes a shared mission.
• bondservants (δοῦλοι - douloi): This is a powerful and significant term. More than just "servant," doulos literally means "slave." In the biblical context, it implies complete ownership and devoted submission, yet it's voluntary servitude out of love and allegiance to Christ. This stands in contrast to slavery to sin (Rom 6). It emphasizes humility, radical obedience, and identifying completely with the Master, Christ Jesus. It speaks to a life fully yielded to God's will.
• of Christ Jesus (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ - Christou Iēsou): Specifies the Master to whom Paul and Timothy are devoted. "Christ" is Messiah, the Anointed One; "Jesus" is His personal name, signifying salvation. Together, it denotes His divine Lordship and saving work. It underscores their complete loyalty and identity.
• to all the saints (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις - pasin tois hagiois): Addressed to all believers in Philippi, ensuring inclusivity within the community. Hagioi (saints) means "holy ones" or "set-apart ones." It describes their status before God, not their moral perfection, achieved through their union with Christ. They are designated as belonging exclusively to God.
• in Christ Jesus (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ - en Christō Iēsou): A pivotal Pauline theological phrase. It describes the believer's new identity, position, and spiritual reality. It signifies union with Christ—a state of being, belonging, and participating in His life, death, and resurrection. This is the source of their sainthood and every spiritual blessing.
• who are at Philippi (τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Φιλίπποις - tois ousin en Philippois): Specifies the geographical location of the recipients. Philippi was a prominent Roman colony in Macedonia (Acts 16), proud of its Roman citizenship, making Paul's later mention of "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil 3:20) highly resonant.
• with the overseers (σὺν ἐπισκόποις - syn episkopois): Episkopoi literally means "supervisors" or "guardians." These are spiritual leaders, typically synonymous with elders (cf. Acts 20:28; Tit 1:5, 7). Their presence indicates a mature, organized church structure with recognized leadership roles, a unique explicit mention in Paul's letter openings. The plural form suggests a plurality of leadership in the church.
• and deacons (καὶ διακόνοις - kai diakonois): Diakonoi means "servants" or "ministers." These were church leaders tasked with practical service, distinct from the oversight role of the episkopoi (cf. 1 Tim 3:8-13). Their inclusion further highlights the structured and functional aspects of the Philippian church.

Philippians 1 1 Bonus section

• The direct naming of "overseers and deacons" is distinctive among Paul's extant epistles' greetings (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians typically greet "saints"). This might indicate the Philippian church's well-established and robust structure, Paul's high regard for these specific leaders, or a pastoral intent to affirm their roles.
• The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is a central concept in Pauline theology, denoting not just physical location but a spiritual sphere of existence and a relational union with Christ, fundamental to identity and salvation.
• Paul, despite being an apostle with significant authority, chose the humble title "bondservant," emphasizing servanthood as the truest form of Christian leadership. This concept contrasts sharply with hierarchical and self-serving leadership models prevalent in the Roman world.

Philippians 1 1 Commentary

Philippians 1:1 is more than a simple mailing address; it is a foundational statement about identity, authority, and community within the early church. Paul and Timothy humbly present themselves as "bondservants of Christ Jesus," declaring their complete submission to the divine Master. This shared servanthood sets the tone for their relationship with the Philippian believers, fostering unity rather than hierarchy. The recipients are addressed not merely as individuals, but as "saints"—holy ones—by virtue of their definitive position "in Christ Jesus." This profound spiritual reality undergirds their new life and relationship with God. Uniquely, Paul extends his greeting explicitly to the "overseers and deacons" within the Philippian assembly. This not only acknowledges the church's organized leadership structure but also recognizes the vital role of specific spiritual and serving offices in the local body. The verse succinctly captures the essence of Christian identity—submission to Christ, a holy standing in Him, and belonging to an ordered, local community of believers, exemplified by their vibrant church in Philippi.