All the Saints

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons …

Paul writes this letter not just to the believers in Philippi, but to ALL the believers in that Macedonian city. Paul wanted no Philippian in Christ excluded from receiving this letter. The term “saints” used in this instance reminds us that believers aren’t merely saints once they depart from this world and enter the presence of their Lord and Savior, but they are saints now – saints at the moment they repent and acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives.

Paul continues on specifically mentioning the bishops and deacons. These men were the leaders of the church. Paul addresses them recognizing their established authority in that setting. Whether it was for the benefit of the leaders to be acknowledged specifically or for the believers, their roles as leaders were significant.

Take some time to review or familiarize yourself with the roles of these people according to scripture. Who were they? What were their roles? What was expected of them? See Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

Being a church leader is not easy. These people need our prayers as they minister. Take some time to pray for your church leaders – for their ministries, for their marriages, for their children, for strengthened faith – that they would walk closely to Christ constantly, that they would not give into temptation, that they would be firmly rooted and established in Christ, etc. You could probably come up with many additional things in which to pray. Consider incorporating a regular time in your day or week to pray for these people who lead us in our spiritual journey to know Christ more.

Blessings from God to you.