Philippians 1:1

I. INTRODUCTION, Philippians 1:1-11.

1. Inscription and greeting, Philippians 1:1-2.

1. Paul associates Timothy with himself in the salutation, as he does in 2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1, and in both epistles to the Thessalonians. He accompanied Paul on his first visit to Philippi, and was afterward there alone. See Acts 16:1; Acts 16:12; Acts 19:22.

Servants Bondservants, belonging to Christ as their Master. Note on Romans 1:1; Luke 7:2. The official designation of “apostle” is not used here, perhaps because the genuineness of St. Paul’s apostleship had never been called in question at Philippi, as in some other places, but more likely because of the deep affection which existed between him and that Church.

All Without exception they have all a place in his large heart. The word is used of purpose, as in Philippians 1:4; Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:25.

Bishops The same then as presbyters. These officers are specially recognised in the inscription, as if quietly to cheek a tendency to an undue personal assertion, of which we shall find evidences.