What is the context?
Paul opens with Timothy beside him, describing them both as servants of Christ Jesus. The word is doulos (DOO-loss). Thayer’s lexicon gives its ordinary meaning as slave and explains its use here for people serving Christ and His cause. Their belonging to Him comes first in the greeting.
The letter is addressed to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. Saints here names the community of believers. Paul includes its recognized leaders within his greeting to the whole church.
He wishes them grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The next paragraph will show the affection and gratitude behind that greeting. Later in the chapter, Paul will describe his imprisonment and their shared commitment to the gospel.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a greeting to the whole believing community, including its leaders, from fellow servants of Christ. Wesley’s note on verse 1 emphasizes Paul’s placing Timothy beside himself under the shared description of servants. The USCCB note likewise understands it as stressing their service to Christ. The greeting’s shared focus is their relationship to Him and the grace and peace that come from God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus teaches His followers to understand greatness through service and points to His own coming to serve and give His life. This is a supported parallel to the service named at the beginning of the letter.
Philippians will develop that pattern in 2:3–8, connecting concern for others with Christ’s humility and His taking the form of a servant. The opening greeting fits within the larger purpose of a people learning to treat one another in the way of their Lord.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.