philippian chapter 1

Verse 1. “Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:”

This letter (epistle) to the Christians in the city of Philippi (the first church Paul founded in Macedonia), was written by Paul the Apostle. “Timothy” is also mentioned, but he was not precisely the author. He was the amanuensis, a trusted secretary. In the custom of the time, Paul dictated the letter to him, and Timothy, in writing it down, was allowed minor input to the text as he wrote it down for the author. As with every Book of Scripture, the Holy Spirit of God is the ultimate Author of all that is written.

Paul wrote to the Philippians as “saints” (holy ones) in Christ Jesus. The word “Christian” had not yet come into common usage at the time of this letter, a term first used in Acts 11:26, when Agrippa replied to Paul. Christ’s people were more commonly called “brethren,” “disciples,” “saints” or “people of the Way.” “Overseer” has also been translated “bishop” – an elder who guided others in the faith. “Deacons” were appointed workers in the church (Acts 6:1-6).

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

Here Paul uses two phrases to greet the Philippian believers; both of which were common greetings of that time. One of them was a Greek expression, and the other was very Jewish. “Grace” is the unmerited favor of God. He has given us RELATIONSHIP with Him, when we have done nothing to deserve such an honor. “Peace” (shalom) was a typical greeting among the Jews, and it more related to peace with God than any other application.

We of mankind essentially declared war on God when we sinned against Him (though we have not understood the enormity of our action). Compare us, for a moment, with a food crop. We were planted, grown by the Farmer who owns the land, and we were created for His purposes, not our own. He has a plan for us, but we have incredibly ignored that plan. Subsequently, “peace” with God (not necessarily with men and women) has been given us in Christ Jesus, through the “grace” of Him who loves you and me.

Verse 3. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul told the Philippian believers a key reason WHY they (and we) should pray. In that place he presents anxiety and prayer as forces in opposition to one another. That is, the one tends to eliminate the other. Prayer will replace anxiety, and vice versa. Those verses give us the RESULT of our prayers, which is “peace” inside your heart and mine. God may say “yes” or “no” to your prayer, but you will receive His peace by going to Him with the desires of your heart.

There’s more, for Paul will tell us that to “rejoice” can be our way of life (Philippians 4:4), but now, in Philippians 1:3, we are seeing that Paul not only gave advice to others, but he also practiced what he preached. And notice HOW he did it. He prayed for them and thanked God for the Philippian believers every time he thought of them. That’s good advice for us all – when you think of someone, PRAY for them, and “the peace of God” will be with you (Philippians 4:7).

Verse 4. “always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,”

Notice that Paul is “always offering prayer with JOY.” Historically and in the present world, most who have lived don't pray like Paul did. Prayer so often is a chore, a painful process that even for many Christians, it becomes so burdensome that they don’t even do it! Note that Paul found JOY in prayer, whereas others do not! – Why?

For one thing, prayer is not unlike exercise. To repeatedly use muscles that have largely remained dormant, is NOT pleasurable – it is a burdensome chore avoided by many. However, the key to enjoying bodily exercise is to actually DO IT! The more you do, the more you will actually enjoy it, and it is like that with prayer. The more you simply DO it, the more you will find the “joy” of the Lord in prayer.

Verse 5. “in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”