Verse-by-Verse through Philippians | 1:1 — Servants of Jesus Christ
A Letter to the Reader
As we head into the new year, I wanted to start a verse-by-verse read-through of one book of the Bible. I decided on Philippians. Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi was written from a prison cell, yet it overflows with gratitude, peace, and contentment. It reminds us that Christian joy is not a product of circumstance, but a posture of the heart that finds its rest in Christ alone.
Over the next several months, we’ll walk through this book one verse at a time. Each week’s post will linger over a single verse, exploring what it meant then and what it means now. My prayer is that these brief meditations help you see that every word of God is alive and rich with meaning.
This series isn’t meant to rush you through a commentary. It’s an invitation to sit with the text and to let the Word shape your pace, still your mind, and stir your affection for Jesus. Together, from wherever we are, we’ll share in the same fellowship of joy that bound Paul and the church at Philippi.
Victorious in Christ,
— Shawn F. Parker
Editor & Contributor, The Redeemed Report
Philippians 1:1
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” — Philippians 1:1
Servants of Jesus Christ
Prior to Paul speaking of joy, unity, or peace, he begins with identity: “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ.”
Before Paul ever calls himself an apostle, he calls himself a servant. The letter opens not with rank but with reverence. From a Roman prison cell, Paul reminds us that joy begins not in freedom but in faithfulness. He doesn’t lead with his credentials or authority, but his submission to Christ.
That’s the starting point of true Christian joy: not what we achieve, but Whose we are.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written from a Roman prison, yet it overflows with thanksgiving. How can a chained man rejoice? Because he knows he isn’t Rome’s prisoner but that he’s Christ’s servant.
We also see that Paul writes in this first verse “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi.”
Notice the order: in Christ, then in Philippi. Their location in the world mattered less than their position in Christ. That’s true for us as well. You might be “in Florida,” “in transition,” or “in trouble,” but if you are in Christ, you are safe, secure, and seen.
Notice the people: Paul writes to all the saints in Christ Jesus. Our sainthood is not achieved by our labor but it is bestowed to us through His love.
The happiest Christian is the one who’s already given the pen of his life to Christ and said, “You write the story.”