Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Timotheus - mentioned as being well known to the Philippians (Acts 16:3; Acts 10:1-48; Acts 11:1-30; Acts 12:1-25; Acts 19:22), and now present with Paul. Not that Timothy joined in writing the letter; for Paul presently uses the first person singular, "I," not 'we' (Philippians 1:3). The mention of Timothy implies merely that he joined in the salutation to them (Philippians 2:19).
Servants [ douloi (G1401 ), 'bond-servants'] of Jesus Christ - wholly bound to Him forever; His property (1 Corinthians 7:22). So Delta G, Vulgate. But 'Aleph (') B read the order, 'Christ Jesus.' More special than 'servants of Yahweh' (Psalms 113:1). Paul does not call himself "an apostle," as in the inscriptions of all the letters except this, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon: the Philippians needed not to be reminded of his apostolic authority. He writes rather in affectionate familiarity.
All (so Philippians 1:4; Philippians 1:7-8; Philippians 1:25; Philippians 2:17; Philippians 2:26) - comprehensive affection, which would not forget anyone among them "all"
Saints in Christ. True saintship depends on living union with Christ.
Philippi. More memorable as the first city in Europe wherein the Gospel was preached, than for the battle in which Octavius defeated Brutus, whereby the cause of the Roman republic was lost.
Bishops - synonymous with 'presbyters' in the apostolical churches; as appears from the same persons being called "elders of the church" at Ephesus, and "overseers" (Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28; Greek, 'bishops,' Titus 1:5: cf. with Philippians 1:7; 1 Peter 5:1). This is the earliest letter where bishops and deacons are mentioned, and the only one where they are separately addressed. This accords with the probable course of events, deduced alike from the letters and history. While the apostles were constantly visiting the churches in person or by messengers, regular pastors would be less needed; but when some were removed by various causes, provision for the permanent order would be needed. Hence, the three pastoral letters subsequent to this give instructions as to bishops and deacons. It agrees with this new want of the Church, when other apostles were dead or far away, and Paul long in prison, that bishops and deacons should be prominent for the first time in the opening salutation. The spirit thus intimated that the churches were to look up to their own pastors, now that the miraculous gifts were passing into God's ordinary providence, and the presence of the inspired apostles, the dispensers of those gifts, was to be withdrawn (Paley). 'Presbyter' implied the age and rank; 'bishop,' the duties of the office. Naturally, when the apostles who had the chief supervision were no more, one among the presbyters presided, with the name 'bishop,' in the restricted and modern sense; just as in the Jewish synagogue one of the elders presided as 'ruler of the synagogue.' The apostle addresses the Church (i:e., the congregation) more directly then its ministers (Colossians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:24; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11). The bishops managed the internal, the deacons the external, affairs of the Church. The plural shows there was more than one bishop or presbyter, and more than one deacon, in the church at Philippi.