Text: Philippians 1:1–2
By Adewole Majaro
Last week, we concluded our study on Soteriology by exploring the implications of being in Christ. We established that the foundation of Paul’s theology is rooted in this truth: for anyone to partake of the spiritual blessings God has prepared, they must first be united with Christ by faith.
Today, we begin a new series through the Book of Philippians—a letter that radiates joy, humility, unity, and gratitude. But before diving into the text, it’s crucial to understand the context in which this letter was written.
The Church in Philippi was established by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey, alongside Silas and Timothy. Located in the northeast of modern-day Greece, Philippi was a Roman colony named after Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Known for its strong Roman influence, the city was primarily populated by Gentiles and military veterans.
Unlike many other cities Paul visited, Philippi lacked a synagogue, which suggests there were very few Jews in the city. Nevertheless, Paul encountered a group of women praying by the riverside—a gathering that led to the conversion of Lydia and her household (Acts 16:6–15). Several other key events followed, including the exorcism of a slave girl and Paul and Silas’s imprisonment. Miraculously, an earthquake opened the prison doors, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family.
Paul later wrote this epistle while imprisoned—most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60 (Philippians 1:12–13; 4:22–23). Despite being confined, Paul’s tone throughout the letter is one of rejoicing, encouragement, and exhortation.
Though brief, Philippians is rich in theological depth and practical wisdom. Central to the letter are the themes of joy, unity, and humility. Paul’s frequent use of the words joy, rejoice, and joyful (used about 12 times in this letter) reinforces the believer’s calling to live joyfully, regardless of circumstances (1:3, 18, 25; 2:2, 28; 3:1; 4:1, 4, 10).
He also emphasizes unity within the body of Christ and humility as the posture through which unity is preserved. In Philippians 2:1–8, Paul urges the believers to emulate Christ’s humility by putting others before themselves. These values are not merely ideals—they are the framework for how the Christian life is meant to be lived: joyfully, in harmony, and in selfless service.
Verse 1a: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…”
Paul begins his letter with a typical greeting but notably refers to himself and Timothy as servants (Greek: doulos) rather than asserting his apostolic authority. This sets the tone for the letter, reflecting the humility Paul wishes to see in the Philippians. Timothy, his trusted co-worker, had a longstanding relationship with the Philippian church, and Paul mentions him here to underscore their shared ministry.
Verse 1b: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus…”
The term saints (Greek: hagiois) refers to those who have been set apart by God, not because of their works, but because of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. In calling them saints, Paul is affirming both their identity and their responsibility. They are holy positionally because of Christ, but also called to live lives that reflect that holiness (Ephesians 5:3; Hebrews 10:14).
Being a saint is not just a status—it’s a calling. As Ephesians 5:25–27 explains, Christ sanctified the Church through His sacrificial love, that she might be “holy and without blemish.” Therefore, the term “saint” is both an affirmation of graceand a call to godly living.
Verse 2: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is more than a customary greeting. Paul consistently opens his letters with “grace and peace to you” and closes with “grace be with you.” This pattern is intentional. Grace and peace are the essential gifts of salvation—grace as the source, and peace as the result.
Paul’s words serve as both a blessing and a reminder: God’s grace through Jesus Christ is what brings peace with God and inner peace to the believer. As Jesus Himself declared in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Grace and peace are not merely theological concepts. They are the reality of the Christian life—a life reconciled to God and marked by spiritual rest, even in trials.
Until we truly understand the depth of our depravity and the inadequacy of our self-righteousness, we will never fully appreciate the magnitude of God’s grace and peace. Unfortunately, many Christians—even ministers—fall into the trap of thinking their efforts in prayer, study, or moral discipline have somehow earned them favor with God.
This is a dangerous illusion.
Our salvation, our peace, and our standing as saints are entirely rooted in God’s unmerited grace, not our works. The moment we forget that, we drift from the gospel and into pride. It is only by God’s grace that we are saved—and it is only by His grace that we are sustained.
As we journey through the book of Philippians, let us hold firmly to this truth: we are joyful not because of our circumstances, but because of our union with Christ. We are united, not by human effort, but by divine calling. And we are transformed—not by external behavior—but through the renewing of our minds and the indwelling of God’s Spirit.
Join us next week as we continue this series and dive deeper into Paul’s prayer for the Philippians in verses 3–11.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:2
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