Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

(v1, NIV)

Today I have finally arrived at the book of Philippians. Philippians is a letter from Paul to the church at Philippi. Most of Paul's letters are to correct a doctrinal error. However, this letter that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi was not to correct a doctrinal error, but simply a thank you letter to them. He has many things to be thankful for which we'll see throughout the letter.

Timothy is also included in the greeting of this letter. Timothy is like a son to Paul and is sometimes with him on his journeys.

This letter is addressed to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi. Those who have come to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ are saints. We also see here that Paul addresses the overseers and deacons. Paul describes the role of an overseers and the role of a deacon in 1 Timothy 3. In that passage, Paul describes what they must be; the requirements they must meet as an overseer or as a deacon. The very fact that there are overseers and deacons at the church in Philippi shows the size and growth of this church. A church needs to be a certain size in order for it to have overseers and deacons. Having overseers and deacons suggests a certain size that would allow for that degree of structure.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(v2, NIV)

Paul ends his fairly short greeting and introduction with grace and peace to them. This grace and peace is from God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This isn't something Paul gives of his own doing; it is something from God.