… together with the overseers and deacons:
Summary: This letter is unique because the introduction includes “overseers and deacons.” Their presence in the letter’s opening lines gives us an opportunity to explore who these people are.
In some ways, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is unique. Like his other letters, Paul expounds on the love of Christ and the heart of the Gospel. Unlike his other letters, he singles out “overseers and deacons” in his greeting.
Why is this important?
Paul’s life, since his encounter with the risen Lord (Acts 9), has been devoted to spreading the Gospel. Because Paul’s ministry has been primarily to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6), he has encountered unique challenges in helping the Gentiles learn how to honor God.
Jewish Christians didn’t have this challenge. Jewish Christians inherited a rich tradition of doing “church.” They already had synagogues and a church leadership structure (priests). The transition to Christianity would have had its challenges, but because of their background, they had a model from which to work.
Gentiles didn’t have the same model.
Because of Paul’s background and training, he was well-versed in Jewish history and worship structure. He understood the importance of reading the Scriptures out loud and the need for leadership in the church.
As the Gospel spread, people gathered in homes to fellowship, worship, and pray together. Paul taught the early believers how to share communion (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). He also began to assign certain people leadership responsibilities in the early church.
As far as Paul was concerned, fidelity to the Gospel was critical.
Paul had received his instructions from Jesus Christ himself. Any attempt to modify or change the message he had received was met by fierce opposition (Galatians 5:12). Someone had to be in charge of protecting the Gospel message, and Paul called these people “epískopos” which can be translated as “bishop” or “overseer” (Strong’s G1985).
In the very early days of the church, just after Pentecost, the Apostles found themselves embroiled in complaints as people struggled to sort out how best to take care of each other’s needs (Acts 6:1-4). In the end, they drew a distinction between the “ministry of the word” and the ministry to people directly (Acts 6: 2). The word for those taking care of serving people directly was “diákonos,” meaning one who serves (Strong’s G1249).
The fact that Paul addresses the “overseers and deacons” in this letter speaks to the maturity of the church at Philippi. Their leaders were trusted and well established and Paul is not afraid to point this out.
Application: The purpose of church leadership is to adhere to Paul’s Gospel in the Bible.
Food for Thought: What happens when overseers disagree?
There will always be disagreements. There were even sharp disagreements between the early Apostles (Acts 15: 1 – 2: Acts 15: 36 – 41; Galatians 2: 11 – 21).
What should happen is a concentrated time of prayer and living out Christian principles modeled by Jesus, and demonstrated in the fruit of the Spirit.
Brother Rich,
What you say is true, and what you say should happen is also true! Well said!
I think Rick really gave a good answer.
I took think people will always disagree, but it is the manner in which they disagree, and the resolution (or lack thereof) that is important.
Disagreements will either demonstrate a love for Christ and one another, and growth through the Holy Spirit, or turn into drama that becomes an obstacle to the presence of the Holy Spirit and growth.
Paul wrote in 1 Timothy and Titus that overseers should be “sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” and “be above reproach…not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”
1 Timothy 3:1-7 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5-9 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Thank you, Chris!
I really like your point:
“it is the manner in which they disagree, and the resolution (or lack thereof) that is important.”
Encouraging words Guy’s!!
What happens when overseers disagree?
All humans are unique individuals with unique genetic makeups and backgrounds which have shaped us into who we are. As a result, our thought processes, beliefs, methods of communication all have unique variations.
As believers we are led by one Spirit, into stability as our lives are being conformed, into individuals shaped by a growing relationship with our God through associations with fellow believers and a deepening commitment to living lives according to the Word of God. At the same time, God allows our uniqueness to remain a part of who we are, as we each become different parts of one body.
The results of all who choose to receive the entire word of God as their foundation for true life, will be seen in living lives consistent with the love of God, being seen in all we do. Staying on course in the power of Gods love toward all mankind.
Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]. 1 Corinthians 16:14
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Acts 17:2
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. Acts 18:19
Ron,
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
The 1 Corinthians 16:14 verse is profoundly simple:
“Do everything in love.”
Amen!
Paul and Barnabas argue and split up, not seeing a way to continue travelling together. It’s important to note that neither man condemns the other, nor attempts to interfere with their work. Their decision to pursue God’s will, separately, does not mean they discourage the other from doing the same
Thank you, Tim!
That is an excellent example. Your point is well made.