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"To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi..."

Text: Philippians 1:1

AN IMPORTANT THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING

The apostle Paul wrote with a vast amount of theological knowledge and insight. Let us ponder the way he addressed the believers in Philippi.

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons.”
Philippians 1:1b

1. Descriptive titles

The Scriptures offer a rich and glorious list of titles given to those who are truly in Christ Jesus. Here is a short list:-

a) Children of God (John 1:12, Romans 8:16)

b) Heirs of God (Romans 8:17a)

c) Joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17b)

2. “Saints in Christ Jesus”

a) The word “saints” simply means “sanctified ones”.

b) We are considered “sanctified” in Christ Jesus.

c) We are declared “holy” in Christ Jesus.

d) Every true believer may be called “a saint in Christ Jesus”.

e) It is the Lord Jesus who sanctifies us because of our identification with Him in faith.

3. “The bishops and deacons”

a) This phrase informs us that the Philippian church had grown significantly.

i) In size

ii) In organisation

iii) In ministry

b) Bishops

i) They were essentially overseers.

ii) They were like senior pastors overseeing many ministries in church.

iii) They are like senior pastors.

c) Deacons

i) These assisted the bishops/elders/pastors.

ii) The word “deacon” suggests that they were prepared to serve even in menial jobs.