there was no rigid or uniform way that Paul organized all of his churches. For example, we can see in Titus 1:5 and 1:7 that the word “presbyter” or “elder” may be synonymous, as Paul uses it there in Titus, with the word “overseer” and “bishop.” But what’s clear is that these persons are leaders within the life of the church. And notice also they are included within the addressees. When Paul refers to the saints in Philippi, that’s including the overseers and deacons. They are not in an ecclesiastical