ISB ~ Philippians 1 v1

Paul:Both the author of the letter and the founder of the Philippian Church. Paul has no need to assert his apostolic authority because the Philippians already revere him as their spiritual father. He stresses instead his service to Christ.

Timothy:A member of Paul’s missionary team when he first established the congregation in Philippi (Acts 16:1-40). Already acquainted with Timothy (Phil 2:22), readers will soon see him again (2:19).

bishops and deacons:The spiritual leaders of the Philippian Church. Because the titles of bishop (“overseer”) and presbyter (“priest”) were sometimes used interchangeably in the earliest days of the Church, it is possible these Philippian bishops were simply the local priests in charge of the congregation (Acts 20:17, 28; Tit 1:5-7). In any case, they fulfilled the priestly and pastoral ministries of teaching, governing, and presiding at worship, while the deacons served as their assistants and devoted themselves to charitable works (1 Tim 3:1-16). This is the only time that Paul addresses the hierarchy as distinct from the laity in his letters.