Philippians 1:1 ESV

Geneva Study Bible - Philippians 1:1

1:1 Paul {1} and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the {a} bishops and deacons:(1) The Paul’s point in writing this epistle, is to strengthen and encourage the Philippians by all means possible, not to faint, but more than that, to go forward. And first of all he commends their former deeds, to exhort them to go forward: which thing he says he fully hopes they will do, and that by the testimony of their abundant charity. But... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:1-30

Consistently with the character of the epistle, in his addressing the Philippians, Paul does not do so as an apostle, but linking Timothy's name with his own, makes use of the lowlier title, "servants of Jesus Christ." It will be noted that in those epistles in which he writes as an apostle, he makes an authoritative communication of the mind of God, which rightfully requires the obedience of faith. As an apostle he is invested with God-given authority. As a servant, on the other hand,... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:1-30

JOY IN SUFFERING The epistle opens with the customary salutation or greeting (Philippians 1:1-2 ). Timothy is named with Paul, not that he is a co-writer, but a co-worker in Philippi, and hence known to the church. He is however, Paul’s companion in Rome at this time. Note the important expression “in Christ Jesus,” which was explained in Ephesians. Note the advanced development of the church “bishops and deacons” or “overseers and working-helpers.” Then comes the thanksgiving (Philippians... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Philippians 1:1

CONTENTS The Apostle, under God the Holy Ghost, opens his, Epistle to the Church with his usual Salutation. He praiseth the Lord, for his Mercies towards them. In Allusion to his Prison State, he tells them of his Readiness to suffer in the Cause of Christ. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Philippians 1:1-2

(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: (2) Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. The first object which engageth our attention, in the opening of this Epistle, is of the persons to whom it is addressed; namely, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, Which were at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Saints, in scripture language, means regenerated... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:1

With the bishops and deacons. [1] By bishops many understand those who were only priests; for the name of priests, at that time, was common to those who were by their ordination priests or bishops, though the order as well as the functions were different. St. John Chrysostom also takes notice, that the name of deacon then signified any minister of Christ. St. Paul also might mean the bishops, or priests and deacons, not only of Philippi, but also of the adjacent places. (Witham) ... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:1-7

1-7 The highest honour of the most eminent ministers is, to be servants of Christ. And those who are not really saints on earth, never will be saints in heaven. Out of Christ, the best saints are sinners, and unable to stand before God. There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our Father, the fountain and origin of all blessings. At Philippi the apostle was evil entreated, and saw little fruit of his... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Philippians 1:1-99

Philippians 1 IN OPENING, PAUL does not present himself as an apostle, but just as a bondman of Jesus Christ. Hence we are not to regard the experience which he is led to relate as being something apostolic, and therefore beyond the reach of ordinary Christians. On the contrary it is the experience of a bondman or servant, and we all are that. He addresses himself to those at Philippi who could be spoken of as “saints in Christ Jesus.” Being in Christ they were set apart for God. They had... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Philippians 1:1-2

The Address and Salutation. v. 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: v. 2. Grace be unto you and peace from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul calls himself a servant and names Timothy as a fellow-servant, the word which he uses retaining, to some degree, the meaning of bond-servant. He considers himself and his young helper as the property of the heavenly Master,... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Philippians 1:1-2

THEEPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS[1]_____________SECTION II. ADDRESS AND SALUTATIONPhilippians 1:1-21Paul and Timotheus [Timothy],2 the [omit the] servants of Jesus Christ3 [Christ Jesus], to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which [who] are at Philippi, with the 2[ omit the] bishops4 [overseers] and deacons5 [helpers]: Grace (be)6 unto you and peace, from God our Father and from [ omit from] the Lord Jesus Christ.EXEGETICAL AND CRITICALPhilippians 1:1. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ... read more