Philippians 1

Introduction

This was the first place Paul, Silas and Timothy visited after pursuing the Macedonia call

Teamwork

There are differences of rank within the body of Christ.

Paul comes before Timothy as an Apostle

Bishops come before deacons within a local church.

There are different functions and responsibilities within the local church

However, these different functions and positions converge to produce unity and teamwork.

Slaves

There are essentially three different “and’s” in the Bible.

And - also - Johnny had a red shirt on; also, blue gloves.

And - Continuation

And - Copulative - a joining together of coordinate words

Coordinate - equal in rank

The “and” in verse 1 is the third “and”

Paul and Timothy are equal in rank.

This is astounding

Paul is an Apostle of Jesus Christ, not Timothy

Paul is Timothy’s father in the faith

Paul directs Timothy

The basis of this equality in rank is their servitude to Christ.

Whether Paul is an Apostle and Timothy is his student -Both are slaves of Jesus Christ.