Articles
The church in Philippi
The church in Philippi
One quick look around our world today and you will see ‘churches’ of every size and ‘shape’. They have a few basics in common, but differ widely in their organization and leadership. Is that what it looked like when Paul wrote his letters?
“1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” (Philippians 1:1-3).
There was a church in Philippi, composed of the disciples who lived in Philippi. They were ‘organized’ in that there were overseers to guide them and deacons to help carry out the common work.
Overseer is often translated ‘bishop’ in other translations, but overseer is a quite literal translation. By comparing this occurrence of the word with Acts 20: and 1Peter 5, we learn that these men were also known to be the ‘shepherds’ of the people and also the ‘elders’. These were not three different offices or positions, but three designations of the same men. They were appointed unto this responsibility and work on the basis of their character and desire (cp. 1Tim. 3 and Titus 1). Their responsibility and oversight pertain only to those that were ‘among them’, the people that they lived and worshiped with in Philippi.
Also, we see that they had some that were designated as deacons. This word simply means servant, one who serves. They also were selected on the basis of character as per 1 Tim. 3.
While there is much more to be said pertaining to these men and their responsibility and stewardship to the local group of disciples, this does show the simple pattern of organization in the 1st century. THEN things began to change. It continues to change as men overstep the God-given realm of leadership and arrogate to themselves greater and greater ‘authority’. With each step, there is a division between such men and those who also desire such positions and privileges. Thus, more and more division until we see all manner of thousands of different bodies of people organized in many different ways to accomplish many different goals.
It doesn’t have to be this way, and it shouldn’t be this way. You don’t control the rest of the people of the world, but you are in control of yourself. Find a local group of disciples that are content to serve God in the simplicity of His word and be faithful.
Be content with God’s instructions. Be faithful in God’s teaching. It still works and accomplishes the will of God.
Hugh DeLong
