The salutation is from, “Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons” (Phil 1:1). Bond-servants were freed slaves that committed themselves for the rest of their lives to continue under the authority of their masters. Paul and Timothy chose to bind themselves to Jesus as His bond-servants [ambassadors] of the Gospel. This relationship with Christ identified them as having authority to represent Jesus to those [saints] who were saved, built up in the faith and followed Him. They were also responsible for the church leaders — overseers and deacons.