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Greetings from Paul and Timothy
These opening words show how Paul and Timothy greet the believers at Philippi. In just two verses, the letter names its senders and readers, and begins with a blessing of grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is the start of a letter. It introduces Paul and Timothy as the senders, addresses all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, includes the overseers and servants, and then gives a greeting of grace and peace. These details come directly from the letter’s opening lines.
Philippians 1:1–2Main takeaway
Philippians 1:1–2 opens with a humble, inclusive greeting centred on belonging to Christ and receiving grace and peace from God.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul and Timothy name themselvesThe letter begins by naming Paul and Timothy together. They call themselves “servants of Jesus Christ”.
Explanation
The letter begins by naming Paul and Timothy together. They call themselves “servants of Jesus Christ”. This title highlights their relationship to Jesus Christ before anything else. The verse does not explain their different roles here, but it clearly places both of them under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
02The letter is for all the saintsThe message is addressed “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi”. “Saints” here refers to God’s people in Christ Jesus.
Explanation
The message is addressed “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi”. “Saints” here refers to God’s people in Christ Jesus. The greeting is for all of them, not only for a few individuals. Their identity is described by their connection to Christ and their place at Philippi.
03Overseers and servants are includedPaul and Timothy also mention “the overseers and servants”. This shows that recognised groups within the church are included in the greeting.
Explanation
Paul and Timothy also mention “the overseers and servants”. This shows that recognised groups within the church are included in the greeting. The verse lists them along with all the saints, so the opening address speaks both to the whole church and to these particular servants within it.
04A blessing of grace and peaceThe greeting says, “Grace to you and peace”. These are presented as coming “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Explanation
The greeting says, “Grace to you and peace”. These are presented as coming “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. The verse does not treat grace and peace as wishes from human effort alone. It points to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of this blessing.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What title do Paul and Timothy use for themselves at the start of the letter?
Look closely at the opening description before the letter names its readers, and notice how it defines their relationship to Jesus Christ.
02Who receives this greeting in Philippians 1:1?
List each group named in the address, starting with the broadest group and then the additional groups included with them.
03According to verse 2, where do grace and peace come from?
Read the whole greeting carefully and identify the exact source named for these gifts.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philippians 1:1–2
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.