Paul’s Introduction Philippians 1:1-2 Studies in Philippians

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Paul, a bondservant Paul’s typical introduction, “Paul, an apostle…” (1 Cor. 1:1, Gal. 1:1, etc.) Here & Romans 1:1, Titus 1:1, as a bondservant (& apostle) Philemon 1 – a prisoner of Christ Jesus

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Paul, his background Prior to his conversion, from Tarsus (called Saul), educated – Hellenistic and Jewish (by Gamaliel), a Pharisee, of Jewish stock (Philippians 3:5). He was advancing in Judaism He gave it all up for Christ NOW, he is in prison

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Paul, his background As he writes to this predominantly Gentile congregation that was paying a price for their faith, he seeks to encourage them.

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Paul, a bondservant Or servant. A fundamental description of Christians 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we were bought at a price Romans 6:16-23, we are slaves (servants) of God Luke 17:7-10, unprofitable servants doing our duty

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Timothy, a bondservant A frequent traveling companion of Paul First introduced in Acts 16:1-3, as Paul was visiting Derbe and Lystra He traveled with Paul and was likely with him in Philippi as the church began there He had a good reputation

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Timothy, a bondservant He became a trusted friend and fellow worker with Paul. He is mentioned in most of Paul’s letters (ex. Galatians & Ephesians) and Hebrews 13:23 Because his father was a Greek, Paul had him circumcised (Acts 16:3) - so he could be helpful in teaching the Jews

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Timothy, a bondservant He was fairly young. Some believe Paul was mentoring him, possibly to carry on his work 1 & 2 Timothy, written to him Familiar with Philippi, being sent to Macedonia later (Acts 19:22, 20:3-6). See also Philippians 2:19

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Lesson: Friends In doing the Lord’s work, we need friends and fellow workers Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1, Jesus sent the apostles, and later the 70, “two by two”

Paul & Timothy (1-2) Lesson: Friends A friend can give you support, encourage you when discouraged, keep you on track, protect you (a witness, etc.) The best way to learn to teach others, is to go with someone who can teach you.

To all the saints (1-2) Written to the church in Philippi The word “church” not used in introduction, but we find here the organizational structure of a congregation In this letter, Paul addresses them as an entity (e.g. Philippians 1:3-5, etc.)

To all the saints (1-2) Saints in Christ Jesus Saints, “holy ones”,(also holy, sanctified, etc.) consecrated or dedicated to God. Distinguished from what is common We are set apart to God, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9

To all the saints (1-2) Saints in Christ Jesus We are to live holy lives 1 Peter 1:15-16 2 Corinthians 7:1 1 Thessalonians 4:7 Hebrews 12:14 We are called saints, 1 Corinthians 1:2

To all the saints (1-2) Saints in Christ Jesus NOTE: The church is His people – Ephesians 1:22-23 1 Corinthians 14:33, “as in all the churches of the saints” NOTE: The saints are alive! Colossians 1:2, Philippians 4:21-22, etc.

To all the saints (1-2) With the bishops Overseers. A term used to describe those appointed to shepherd the flock (elders, pastors) – Acts 20:17 & 27, 1 Peter 5:1-2 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 14:23, appointed in every church, must be qualified

To all the saints (1-2) With the deacons Descriptive of servants. The term is most often used to describe servants, Matthew 20:26, Romans 16:1 Of Timothy, 1 Timothy 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (minister) Of Paul, Ephesians 3:7, Colossians 1:25 Here, clearly an appointed office (cf. 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Greetings (1-2) Grace & Peace Grace, similar to the usual Gentile greeting (similar to our hello). To look upon one favorably Peace, the typical Jewish greeting (Shalom). A word meaning tranquility, the absence of strife.

Greetings (1-2) Grace & Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ God’s grace – Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24, 6:14 Paul often concluded his letters with this appeal, cf. Philippians 4:23

Greetings (1-2) Grace & Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Peace with God – Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:6-7 Gospel of peace, Romans 10:15 Romans 14:17, a kingdom filled with Romans 12:18, live peaceably with all men

Does the grace and peace of God rule in your heart? Studies in Philippians