Verse 1b “…with the overseers and deacons;”
The term “overseers” is not so much an office as it is a responsibility, a position of action. The verb form of this word indicates a looking after, taking care of responsibility. In 1 Timothy Paul says the overseer “…takes care of” God’s church (3:5). Paul also refers to this position of leadership with the terms elder (presbyter) and shepherd. While they speak to one responsibility, the three terms give us a wider view of what they were responsible for. There is room in these terms for physical as well as spiritual leadership.
Deacons is a tougher term to deal with because Paul uses it in at least two different ways. The word itself denotes one who serves. In this passage he is singling out those who have a specific responsibility of service within the local congregation. All Philippians should have been servants as all Christians today are to be servants. In the church, however, deacons were appointed for specific tasks or responsibilities. The term as used in this case becomes more a title than a general designation.
Task for Today: Just a word on our responsibility to those leaders mentioned in this verse. First, I want to suggest that we all take an encouraging position with overseers and deacons. We should be slow to criticize God’s chosen leaders as they are working on our behalf. Like anyone in authority, God expects us to respect their authority as our leaders and servants. Secondly, the overseers’ primary duty is to watch for our souls. To teach and to lead us into the way of Christ. We should co-operate fully in their effort.
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