Philippians 1:1-2

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

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ — emphasis on the despised and rejected One who was then glorified.

Christ Jesus — emphasis on the exalted One who emptied Himself — His pre-existence and grace.

Christ = Messiah — the Anointed One

Jesus = Jehovah Saves

James, Peter, John and Jude all knew Christ first as a man. They all use Jesus Christ. Paul, who first knew Christ in His glory, frequently uses Christ Jesus. The only place outside of Paul’s writings where Christ Jesus is used is in Acts 24:24.

servants — one who serves another to the disregard of his own interests.

bishops — leaders and guardians of the saints. Bishops were appointed by apostles and their fellow-laborers (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). They were to teach and to lead by example (1 Timothy 5:17).

decons = servants (referring to actions, what they do) — those who served in the church in various ways

grace — unmerited favor of God

peace = to bind together — harmony between God and those who have been reconciled

When the Lord next intervenes, it will be with wrath, but for now, He’s offering grace and peace.

Paul doesn’t mention his apostleship in Philippians. His authority wasn’t in question in this church.

Timothy = he who honors God. Paul knew he might die in prison. He surely wanted the Philippians to know Timothy stood with him and could be trusted. That’s why he added Timothy’s name to the introduction. (Philippians 2:19-20)

saints — those separated, sanctified. Believers set apart in the sphere of Christ. The word is always used in the plural except in Philippians 4:2 (where plurality is implied).

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