Phil. 1:1-2; Mark 10:42-45, Slaves and Saints

In his greeting to the Philippian believers Paul uses several titles.  Let us briefly consider the four titles in verse one.

·        Bishops/Overseers. 

o   All elders are overseers.  The basis for this is that the two terms are used of the same individuals in the NT (Ac. 20:28; Titus 1:5,7; 1 Pt. 5:1-2).

o   All overseers are to be shepherds (pastors; same Greek term is used for both).  The argument is as before (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).

o   In NT churches there were several overseers in one congregation as is indicated here (cf. Ac. 14:23; 20:17; 1 Pt. 5:1; Titus 1:5).

o   The overseers calling is of God (Ac. 20:28; Titus 1:7).  The congregation and other overseers might confirm this call but the Lord, the Head of the Body, places them.

o   Overseers are to shepherd the flock, keeping watch (Ac. 20:28-31), setting an example (1 Pt. 5:2-3), and feeding the flock from the word of God (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9).

o   Overseers must meet certain qualifications having to do with spiritual maturity (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

·        Deacons.

o   Deacons are, by definition, servants of others.  Diakonos emphasizes horizontal relationships, serving those alongside, as in the Body of Christ.

o   Deacons, like overseers, must meet certain criteria (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

o   Deacons relieve overseers of lower priority tasks (Acts 6:2-4).  I did not say “tasks below their integrity” but “tasks that would take them from their primary calling.”  Specific responsibilities depend on the needs of the specific body of believers.

·        Saints.  This is a reference to the body of believers at Philippi.  It simply means holy ones, those set apart by God through the gospel of Christ.  It applies to all believers.  It is not a reference to super-Christians of some sort.  God sanctifies us by His word (John 17:17).  When we trust in Christ, as the gospel is presented, we are set apart as holy.  We are saints in Christ, emphasizing our position before God.

·        Bondservants.  It is interesting, and appropriate to this letter, that Paul does not describe himself as “apostle” as he often does at the start of his letters.  He is not writing about some issue that requires he establish his apostolic authority.  But what is at issue in this letter is “joy” and “fellowship” and the person of Christ.  The key to all this is seeing ourselves as the “bondservants of Jesus Christ.”  This is the term for a servant that emphasizes his “vertical” relationship, his submission to his Lord and Master.  We are “saints IN Christ Jesus” (position).  We are “bondservants of Jesus Christ” (authority).