More Than a Greeting: How Paul Introduces the Entire Letter
- Thad DeBuhr
- 2 minutes ago
- 15 min read
Study Guide: Philippians 1:1-2
Years ago, if someone handed you a business card, you could learn a lot before they ever said a word.
It listed their name.
Their job.
Their company.
Sometimes even their education or credentials.
The card answered an important question: Who is this person?
Today we do something similar with social media profiles. Before meeting someone, we often look at their bio.
What do they want people to know first?
Paul begins Philippians the same way—but not quite how we'd expect.
If you were introducing yourself after planting churches across the Roman world, writing much of the New Testament, surviving beatings, shipwrecks, and prison, you might be tempted to lead with your accomplishments.
Paul doesn't.
Instead, he introduces himself with a word that tells us almost everything we need to know about his life:
"A servant of Christ Jesus."
Before Paul tells the Philippians what to believe or how to live, he reminds them who they are, who he is, and who they all belong to.
These first two verses may seem like a simple greeting, but they're actually the doorway into the entire letter.
Setting the Scene
Paul is writing from prison, probably while under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), though some scholars have suggested Ephesus. Either location still places Paul in chains because of his commitment to Jesus.
It's been roughly ten years since Paul first walked into Philippi (Acts 16).
A lot has happened.
The little house church that began in Lydia's home has grown.
Leaders have emerged.
The church has supported Paul financially and spiritually (Philippians 4:15–18).
When Paul was imprisoned again, they didn't forget him. Instead, they sent one of their own—Epaphroditus—to bring encouragement and practical help (Philippians 2:25–30).
This letter is Paul's response.
Unlike many of his letters, Philippians doesn't begin by correcting major problems.
Instead, it begins with affection.
But Paul also knows something important.
If the Philippians are going to remain faithful in a Roman colony where loyalty to Caesar shaped daily life, they need to remember who they belong to before they think about what they should do.
That's why these opening verses matter so much.
Identity comes before instruction.
Big Idea
Paul doesn't begin Philippians by giving commands.
He begins by reminding believers that they belong to Jesus.
Everything else in the letter grows out of that truth.
Keep scrolling down for the rest of the deep dive into the passage
🎵 Worship Response
🎵 NEW YJJ Worship Song: "The Gospel is Working" 🎵
We love finding new ways to help God's Word stick with us. This original song tells the story of Philippians through music, bringing the people, places, and message of this letter to life. My prayer is that every time you hear it, you'll remember the story—and remember that the gospel is still working today. Enjoy!
Words to the song at the very end of this study guide.
As you go through the study guide, I would suggest reading or listening to the Bible passages in two different bible translations:
First read it in NASB or NKJV, then read it again from a NLT, NIV or ESV Bible.
Learn more about our exciting out-of-the-box ministry here
Walking Through the Story
1. "Paul and Timothy..." (Philippians 1:1)
Ancient letters began differently than ours.
Today we usually end a letter with our name.
In the first century, you put your name first.
That way readers immediately knew who the letter was from.
Paul includes Timothy alongside himself.
This doesn't mean Timothy wrote the letter.
Paul is clearly the primary author throughout the book (Philippians 3:1; 4:1).
Instead, Timothy's name reminds us of something Paul demonstrates throughout his ministry: Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey.
Throughout Acts and Paul's letters we repeatedly meet traveling companions, coworkers, hosts, financial supporters, prayer partners, and local leaders.
The Kingdom of God has always moved forward through teams.
That's worth remembering today.
Western culture often celebrates individual success.
The New Testament celebrates faithful partnership.
One of the recurring themes you'll notice throughout Philippians is the idea of partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5).
Paul introduces that idea before he ever uses the word.
2. "...Servants of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:1)
This may be the most surprising part of the greeting.
The Greek word is doulos.
In everyday Greek, it referred to someone who belonged to another person—a slave or bondservant.
Because the word "slave" carries painful historical baggage in English, many translations choose "servant."
But we shouldn't lose the force of Paul's words.
Paul is intentionally choosing a title of humility.
He isn't saying,
"I'm famous."
"I'm important."
"I'm an apostle."
"I'm the founder of your church."
Instead, he says,
"I belong to Jesus."
In the Roman world, identity often came from your citizenship, family name, military service, wealth, or social status.
In Philippi especially, people were proud to call themselves Roman citizens.
Paul quietly introduces a completely different identity.
Before anything else...
He belongs to Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament, Moses (Joshua 1:1), Joshua (Joshua 24:29), David (Psalm 89:3), and the prophets were called servants of the Lord.
Paul isn't lowering himself because he lacks confidence.
He's placing himself in the long line of people whose lives belonged completely to God.
A Helpful Picture
Imagine wearing a team jersey.
The jersey tells everyone whose team you're on.
Paul's "jersey" says,
"I belong to Jesus."
That identity shapes everything else.
3. "To all God's holy people..." (Philippians 1:1)
Many English Bibles say, "To all the saints..."
Unfortunately, the word "saint" often creates the wrong picture.
Many people think of someone unusually holy.
Someone who has reached an elite spiritual level.
Someone far beyond ordinary Christians.
Os they may think of it as someone who's a "Goody Two-Shoes".
That's not how Paul uses the word.
The Greek word hagios simply means holy, set apart, or belonging to God.
Paul is talking about every believer in Philippi.
Lydia.
The jailer.
Former pagans.
Business owners.
Parents.
Widows.
New believers.
Older believers.
If they belong to Jesus, they are included.
The emphasis isn't on how impressive they are.
It's on whose they are.
Throughout Scripture, holiness is first about belonging to God.
A holy object in the Old Testament wasn't morally perfect.
It was set apart for God's purposes.
Paul applies that same idea to people.
Believers belong to God because of what Christ has done—not because they've earned special status.
4. "...In Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:1)
This tiny phrase appears over and over in Paul's letters. It may be his favorite way to describe a believer.
Notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't say,
"People trying harder."
"People who never fail."
"People who have life figured out."
He says, "In Christ."
That changes everything.
Being "in Christ" means our deepest identity isn't found in our career...
our political party...
our nationality...
our successes...
or even our failures.
It's found in our relationship with Jesus.
This becomes one of the major themes throughout Philippians.
Paul wants believers to think differently because they already belong to Christ.
He doesn't tell them to earn God's acceptance.
He reminds them that they already have it.
5. "...Together with the overseers and deacons." (Philippians 1:1)
This is the only letter where Paul mentions church leaders in the greeting.
That tells us something.
The church has matured.
It now has recognized leaders helping care for the congregation.
The word overseer (episkopos) describes someone who watches over and cares for others.
The word deacon (diakonos) simply means a servant or minister.
Both words describe functions more than positions.
Notice something easy to miss.
Paul doesn't address the leaders first.
He addresses the whole church first.
Then he includes the leaders.
That order matters.
Leaders aren't a separate class of Christians.
They're members of the same family with added responsibility.
Throughout the New Testament, leadership isn't primarily about authority.
It's about serving others well.
Jesus modeled this Himself.
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
Where People Often Go Wrong
Many people immediately jump into debates about church government.
Should churches have pastors?
Elders?
Bishops?
Plural leadership?
Single leadership?
Those discussions have their place, but Paul isn't trying to settle them here.
His point is much simpler.
Healthy churches have faithful people who lovingly care for God's people.
6. "Grace and peace to you..." (Philippians 1:2)
At first glance, this sounds like an ordinary greeting.
It isn't.
Paul combines two familiar greetings.
The Greek world commonly greeted people with a word related to grace.
Jewish people commonly greeted one another with shalom—peace.
Paul blends them together.
But he fills both words with new meaning.
Grace is God's undeserved kindness.
Peace is the result of being made right with God.
Notice the order.
Grace comes first.
Peace follows.
Peace doesn't come because we've earned it.
Peace grows out of God's grace.
7. "...From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:2)
This final phrase would have caught the attention of first-century readers.
Paul places Jesus alongside the Father as the shared source of grace and peace.
In a Roman colony where people honored Caesar as "lord," Paul quietly points everyone toward the true Lord.
He doesn't argue.
He doesn't attack Rome.
He simply begins the letter by placing Jesus in His rightful place.
Throughout Philippians, Paul will continue returning to this same truth.
Jesus—not Caesar—is Lord.
And every other part of life flows from that reality.
Will you partner with us to help more people understand the Bible, grow in community, and follow Jesus?
Learn more about supporting this ministry here.
Why Context Changes Everything
The first two verses of Philippians are easy to overlook.
Many people read them as little more than an ancient version of, "Dear friends, I hope you're doing well."
But Paul wasn't filling space.
Every word in this greeting introduces ideas that will shape the rest of the letter. He calls himself a servant of Christ Jesus. He reminds ordinary believers that they are God's holy people. He acknowledges leaders who serve the church. And before he gives a single instruction, he offers grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
If we treat these verses as merely a polite introduction, we'll miss the foundation Paul is laying.
Before Paul tells the Philippians how to live...
...he reminds them who they are.
Before he talks about joy, suffering, humility, or unity...
...he establishes their identity in Christ.
When we understand that foundation, the rest of Philippians begins to make much more sense.
Applying It Wrong
Here are a few common ways people unintentionally miss the point.
Treating these verses like they're just a polite greeting.
It's easy to read the first two verses, nod your head, and jump straight to verse three. But Paul isn't making small talk. He's introducing many of the biggest ideas that will shape the rest of the letter—our identity in Christ, what it means to serve Jesus, the role of church leaders, and the grace and peace that come from God. If we rush past the greeting, we'll miss the foundation Paul is building.
Thinking "servant of Christ" means losing your freedom.
Some people hear the word servant and picture God forcing people to obey Him. That's not Paul's point at all. Paul isn't describing someone trapped against his will. He's describing someone who has joyfully chosen to give his highest loyalty to Jesus. The truth is, everyone serves something. Some people serve money, success, comfort, approval, or power. Paul says, "I've chosen to belong to Christ."
Believing that only "super Christians" are saints.
When many people hear the word saint, they think of someone who has reached an unusually high level of holiness. Paul uses the word very differently. He's writing to ordinary believers—people with ordinary jobs, ordinary struggles, and ordinary lives. They are called saints because they belong to Jesus, not because they've earned a special title.
Thinking church leaders are more important than everyone else.
Paul certainly recognizes the overseers and deacons, but notice where he starts. He addresses the whole church first. Leaders aren't placed above God's people; they're included among God's people. Their role isn't to seek status or recognition but to faithfully care for others.
Applying It Well
As you continue reading Philippians, pay attention to how often Paul reminds believers who they are before he tells them what to do. That's not an accident. Throughout this letter, identity comes before instruction.
As you read, keep asking yourself, "What truth about my identity is Paul reminding me of here?" You'll begin to notice that almost every practical challenge in Philippians grows out of the believer's relationship with Jesus.
It's also a good reminder to examine where you find your own identity. Is it rooted in your career, your family, your accomplishments, your failures, or what other people think of you? Paul would gently point us back to the same answer every time: if you belong to Christ, that is the truest thing about you.
Finally, let these verses shape the way you think about church leadership. Healthy leaders aren't people who chase influence or recognition. They're people who quietly serve, care for others, and help the church follow Jesus together. One of the best ways to support your church is to pray for those who carry that responsibility with humility.
Questions to Chew on and Discuss:
These questions are designed to help you personally dig deeper into the passage and help guide your discussions in your Journey Groups and Me & 3 small groups.
Looking Closer
(What do you notice?)
Which word or phrase in Paul's greeting stands out to you the most?
Why do you think Paul introduced himself as a servant instead of highlighting his authority?
What details do you notice about the way Paul addresses the entire church?
Understanding It
(What did it mean then?)
Why would the title "servant of Christ" have been surprising in a Roman colony like Philippi?
How does understanding the meaning of "saint" change the way you read this passage?
Why do you think Paul begins with identity before giving any instructions?
Let It Challenge You
(What is God inviting you to notice?)
What usually shapes your identity the most—your work, your family, your successes, your failures, or your relationship with Jesus?
Where do you need God's grace and peace the most right now?
Is there an area of your life where Jesus is inviting you to trust Him more fully as Lord?
Live It Out
(What will you do?)
This week, how can you intentionally remember that you belong to Christ before you face your responsibilities?
Is there someone serving faithfully in your church whom you could encourage or thank?
What's one practical way you can serve others with the same humility Paul models in these opening verses?
Journey Group OR ME & 3 Small Group Discussion Starters:
Whether you're helping facilitate a small group, talking about this passage one-on-one with a friend, or even just need a topic to guide the conversation at the dinner table, these ideas can help start a good group conversation before you dive into the passage and questions in this study guide.
Discussion Starter 1
If someone had to describe your identity in just one sentence, what would they probably say? How does that compare with the way Paul described himself?
Discussion Starter 2
Our culture encourages us to build our identity around achievement, success, and personal freedom. How does Paul's description of himself challenge those values, and what would it look like to live from a different identity?
Remember This
Before Paul tells believers how to live, he reminds them who they belong to. Identity comes before instruction.
Sum It Up
Philippians doesn't begin with commands.
It begins with belonging.
Paul introduces himself as someone whose life belongs to Jesus. Then he reminds the Philippians that they belong to Jesus too. He greets ordinary believers as God's holy people, encourages leaders to serve with humility, and points everyone toward the grace and peace that come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
These first two verses quietly prepare us for everything that follows. Before Paul talks about joy, suffering, humility, generosity, or unity, he reminds us of the most important truth in the letter:
If you are in Christ, your identity is no longer defined by the world around you. It is defined by the One to whom you belong.
Experience the God of the Wilderness
Throughout the Bible, the desert isn't just a place of heat and sand; it is God’s favorite classroom. It’s where He took Moses to see the burning bush, where He shaped the Israelites into a nation, and where Jesus was prepared for His ministry.
There is something about stepping away from the "safe structures" of the city and into the stillness of the high desert that clears the noise and lets you hear God's voice.
Are you willing to come to the wilderness for a time of preparation and growth? If you feel God moving you out of your comfort zone and into a deeper dependence on Him, we invite you to join us on our off-grid property in Northwest Arizona.
Arizona Bible Experience Retreat 📅 Dates: October 17-23, 2026 📍 Location: Meadview, AZ
Incredible scenery, excellent teaching, and friendships forged from slot canyons to campfires. We have limited spots available to keep the experience intimate and impactful.
Several lodging options. Daily excursions. Shared meals, campfires, and more! Includes a day at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and so much more.
Save the Date: The Pig Out-Play & Praise
Every September, the whole YJJ community rallies together in beautiful North Idaho for our annual gathering. We call it "The Pig Out-Play & Praise"—and for good reason! We smoke a whole hog and briskets for a week of incredible food, deep fellowship, and powerful worship led by two different teams.
The Biblical Connection:
Did you know that God actually built "big meet-ups" into the very rhythm of life for His people? From the Appointed Feasts to the harvest gatherings, the ancient Israelites were commanded to stop, gather, and celebrate what God was doing. The value of these rhythms remains true for us today. We need these "mountain top" moments to refuel and reconnect.
Registration is OPEN now! Get your tickets here:
HAVE YOU WATCHED THIS VIDEO YET?
MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
Read Our Full Statement of Faith: CLICK HERE
Your Jesus Journey is an independent, non-denominational Christian ministry. We're fueled by God's grace and the generosity of our supporters. Our team—led by Pastor Thad and his wife Kaila—is made up of dedicated disciples from all over the United States. Together, we work to help people understand the Bible, find Christian friends, and grow as disciple-makers.
Be sure to grab our free E-Book, "Stop Reading the Bible Wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just click the Free Gift button at the top of our website, and we'll send it to you today!
Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!
You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.
To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.
There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!
Here are the lyrics to the new song: The Gospel is Working
Verse 1
In a city proud of power,
Where the banners filled the sky,
Roman soldiers, marble temples,
Told the people who was high.
Then a prisoner of Jesus Came to speak a better word:
"There is one true King above us,
Jesus Christ alone is Lord."
Pre-Chorus
Not the strong,
not the proud,
Not the rulers of this age—
God has shown His heart through Jesus,
Through the cross and empty grave.
Chorus
The gospel is working,
The good news is alive.
Chains cannot stop it,
And suffering is not defeat.
Jesus is Lord,
Our hope through every storm.
Jesus is Lord,
And Caesar will not have the final word.
Verse 2
By the river stood a woman,
Lydia opened up her home.
A forgotten, captive servant
Found that she was not alone.
In the darkness of the prison,
Songs of worship filled the night.
Then the jailer and his household
Stepped from fear into the light.
Pre-Chorus
Rich and poor,
slave and free,
Every wall begins to fall.
At the feet of King Jesus,
There is grace enough for all.
Chorus
The gospel is working,
The good news is alive.
Chains cannot stop it,
And suffering is not defeat.
Jesus is Lord,
Our hope through every storm.
Jesus is Lord,
And Caesar will not have the final word.
Verse 3
Paul was beaten, Paul was driven
From the streets he came to serve.
Still the little church kept growing,
Still they trusted in the Word.
Through the years they stood beside him,
Sending help and sharing pain.
Then he wrote to them in shackles,
"Your faith has not been lived in vain."
Chorus
The gospel is working,
The good news is alive.
Chains cannot stop it,
And suffering is not defeat.
Jesus is Lord,
Our hope through every storm.
Jesus is Lord,
And Caesar will not have the final word.
Bridge
Do not break beneath the pressure,
Do not fight for highest place.
Take the mind of Christ our Savior,
Walk in courage, love, and grace.
He laid down His rights and glory,
Took the servant's lowest road.
Now His name is high above all,
Every knee will bow before Him.
Bridge 2
Stand as one,
Serve as one,
Shine as lights within the darkness.
Love as one,
Hope as one,
Live the story of King Jesus.
Stand as one,
Serve as one,
Shine as lights within the darkness.
Jesus lives,
Jesus reigns,
And His Kingdom will not fail us.
Final Chorus
The gospel is working,
The good news is alive.
Chains cannot stop it,
And suffering is not defeat.
Jesus is Lord,
Our hope through every storm.
Jesus is Lord,
And Caesar will not have the final word.
The gospel is working,
Through ordinary lives.
Homes become churches,
And prisoners sing through the night.
Jesus is Lord,
Our hope through every storm.
Jesus is Lord,
And Jesus will always have the final word.
Outro
Jesus is Lord.
Jesus is Lord.
Through the cross and resurrection,
Jesus is Lord.
Jesus is Lord.
Jesus is Lord.
The gospel is still working.
Jesus is Lord.
Comments