Philippians 1:1-2

Paul, the Author of Philippians

Paul wrote the Philippian letter from Rome during his first imprisonment. Timothy was with him at the time, so he was mentioned by Paul. The apostle probably used Timothy's name here because he was with him when the church at Philippi was started. He described both of them as servants of Christ, or we might say in bondage to Christ. It is important to realize all who have reached an age of knowing right from wrong are slaves (Romans 6:16-18). All Christians are like slaves who have been purchased by the Lord, our master (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Concerning the writing of this letter, Lipscomb says: This epistle was written by Paul while in "bonds" in the Praetorium (1:7-13.) He sends greetings from Caesar's household (4:21); he expresses expectation of some crises in his imprisonment (1:20-26); and confident hope of visiting Philippi (1:26; 2:24.) All those indications place it in the first imprisonment of Paul in Rome which we know to have lasted "two whole years" (Acts 28:30), which certainly began in the year A.D. 61. Therefore, its date must be somewhere towards the end of the imprisonment, in the year of A.D. 63.

To the Saints In Philippi

Paul wrote to the saints, who would not be just those who were especially holy or had died in the Lord. Instead, it would include all those who were separated from sin and dedicated to God's service (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Every Christian would be included in this designation (2 Thessalonians 1:10).

The letter is also addressed to the bishops and deacons. It was Paul's practice, at the end of the first missionary journey, to ordain elders in every church (Acts 14:23). These men were the overseers, or bishops, of the church and were to watch for the safety of the members' souls (Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28-32; Titus 1:5-14; Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

All Christians are deacons, or servants, but here the word is used more specifically for the office of deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Their job appears to have been to attend to physical needs of the brethren and routine requirements. In doing this, they freed the elders for the more important tasks of prayer and study. Thereby they could more readily keep themselves and the flock safe (compare Acts 6:1-7).