Grahame Walker

Paul wants the church at Philippi to know that this letter is addressed to them, all God’s Holy people. He deliberately singles out overseers and deacons or Elders and deacons for special mention. Paul is deliberately using the words grace and peace. Grace meaning the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and peace to mean the blessing of reconciliation that’s has resulted from God’s gracious work on their behalf. By using these two words Paul has cleverly introduced elements of the letter that he will go onto expand as to what it means to put the interests of others ahead of our own. By calling them all God’s Holy People (or Saints in other translations) implies their unity will become a major emphasis in this letter.