What does Philippians 1:1 mean?

The opening words of this letter identify the authors as Paul and Timothy. Paul is traditionally considered the primary author of the letter, though Timothy assisted here and in other letters (2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 1:1). Including 1 and 2 Timothy, 7 of Paul's 13 letters included in the New Testament were either coauthored by Timothy, or written to him.

The recipients of Philippians are the entire body of believers—"all the saints in Christ Jesus"— at Philippi, both laymen and leaders. Overseers are equivalent with elders, bishops, or pastors in the New Testament, whose qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. The qualifications for deacons are listed only in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. Of the churches Paul addressed, only this church included a specific mention regarding deacons. Some see Romans 16:1 as a reference to a deaconess. Both the heartfelt thanks and loving correction provided by Paul are meant for all of the people in this church family.