Philippians 4:2 “I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord”. 2.I exhort Euodias and Syntyche It is an almost universally received opinion that Paul was desirous to settle a quarrel, I know not of what sort, between those two women. The position of women in Macedonia was exceptional. Other less acceptable identifications are that they were two men (Theodore of Mopsuestia) or that they were symbols of Jewish and Gentile Christians (the Tbingen school). Euodias is incorrect, the name being feminine, Euodia. The names Euodia and Syntyche are recognisable Greek names, but we know nothing about these two women except for the fact that they had laboured with Paul in the Gospel (Philippians 4:3), how we are not told. The apostle calls on these sisters by the authority of his office. Nothing more than is here stated is known respecting them or their disagreement. Unanimity in the church is not always possible, but unity is. Rec., with the long o, the name means fragrance; but the correct reading is with the short o, the meaning being prosperous journey. God expects both parties to seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). The verb implies something stronger than the ‘beseech’ of the Authorised Version. Women were more than usually active in the Philippian church. (2) Euodias.—The name should be Euodia, as is seen by Philippians 4:3. —Euodia and Syntyche were two women of prominence in the Church, who unhappily had fallen into dissensions. Paul visited Philippi again onhis third journey (Acts 20:1-6). “Syntyche”: Is another female Christian. [Note: See A. Boyd Luter, "Partnership in the Gospel: The Role of Women in the Church at Philippi," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society39:3 (September1996):411-20.]. It is impossible to divine what subjects may have threatened to rend the peace of the congregation, whether Jewish prejudices ranged against Gentile freedom, or matters peculiar to Philippi alone; but we can see from the apostle’s language, that though at variance in opinion, these women were still earnest in the cause of Christ. . Scholars wrongly assume that because Paul asked the two women to agree they must have been disagreeing. We may add, from Heuzey, Voyage Archéol., p. 423, an Inscr. Philippians 3:15-16. Not allowing the Judaizers, perfectionists or … The same expression as in Philippians 2:2, see note. Nothing more than is here stated is known respecting them or their disagreement. Philippians 4:2. The same call comes to us. “To be of the same mind”: Compare with 2:2. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Philippians 4:1 "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved." Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. "For the Pauline letters, this is a remarkable moment indeed, since Paul does here what he seldom does elsewhere in "conflict" settings-he names names." Note how prominent ‘the Lord’ is in the passage (Philippians 4:1-2; Philippians 4:4-5; Philippians 4:10). Every man and woman born of the Spirit is being conformed into the image of the lovely Lord Jesus. A Christian thought life is also integral to a … That they be of the same mind in the Lord; I beseech Enodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. “Therefore”, concludes that the recipients should stand fast, or “persevere,” in the relationship with Christ. Philippians 4:2, CSB: "I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord." The specific passage is Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version), which states: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. says: “In such a pure church, even slight bickerings would make a great impression.” Paul begs each of them individually, wanting to treat each one exactly the same. 4:2-3). "For the Pauline letters, this is a remarkable moment indeed, since Paul does here what he seldom does elsewhere in "conflict" settings-he names names.". 4703, from Narbo in Gaul. Practicing verse 8 is essential if we want to develop and maintain healthy relationships (4:2-3, 5). From the whole tone of this Letter, it cannot have gotten seriously out of hand as yet. They should remember their common relation to Christ and to his church” (Erdman p. 133). While the text mentions both Paul and Timothy as the senders of the letter to the Philippians, the authorship is undoubtedly reserved specifically for Paul.10 Paul was born in Tarsus in Cilicia into a family which apparently maintained a large measure of their Jewish faith and way of life despite their Gentile environment. Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul's appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. "Keep on rejoicing" (Jackson p. 79). Philippians 4:2 Translation & Meaning. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. They were doubtless professing Christians, and the apostle exhorts them to make the Lord the great object of their affections, and in their regard for him, to bury all their petty differences and animosities. Paul names the specific individuals. In Philippians 4:8 Paul exhorts us to develop a Christian thought life. When we come to an expression like this, “Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:2.) St. John Chrysostom, Theodoret, and many others, think that these were two ladies particularly famous in the Church at Philippi, for their virtue and good works. But from the whole tone of the Epistle it cannot have gone far. [Note: See A. Boyd Luter, "Partnership in the Gospel: The Role of Women in the Church at Philippi," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society39:3 (September1996):411-20. The *emperor Augustus allowed retired soldiers to live thereafter they had supported him in a battle in 31 *BC. The counsel given to all in. But the previous intimations in the epistle prove that there had been tendencies to disunion in the church, and the second verse of the second chapter these women might read with a special and personal concern. Paul is nearing the end of his letter and is tying up loose ends. Philippians 2:3(NASB) Verse Thoughts. “Euodia”: The name is a woman’s name. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche -. Philippians 1:6(NASB) Verse Thoughts. Women were more than usually active in the Philippian church. These two Philippian women had a difference of opinion, and we see in them the slight dissension which Paul hints at in places. We find no trace of the cause. That"s why Jesus stressed reconciliation to a brother, as coming ahead of even worship (Matthew 5:23-24). The Inscr. The cause of the quarrel may have been-- Thus for these two women to be prominent in the church should come as no surprise in such an environment. Macedonian women were given an unusual amount of freedom. Philippians 4:2-3 may seem like a random shout-out to random people. His love now spills over in his exhortation to two women who were clearly prominent in the church. ‘I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.’. It confirms Him as the One to Whom every knee will bow, and of Whom every tongue will confess that He is the LORD YHWH (Philippians 2:10-11). What it was all about, we have no way of knowing. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. that they be of the same mind in the Lord; either that they agree together, and be reconciled to each other, considering the relation they stood in to one another, and to the Lord; or that they become of the same mind, and embrace the same truths, and profess and maintain the same principles the church did; and so the Arabic version renders it, "that ye entertain one and the same opinion concerning the faith of the Lord". That they be of the same mind in the Lord; "Success") and Syntyche ("Lucky") were evidently two women in the Philippian congregation. “I exhort”: Pay careful attention to the double use of the word "exhort" in this passage. of Larissa, where a woman’s name occurs among the winners in the horse-races (see Introduction). At all events, they had laboured in the gospel with earnestness and success. I beseech Euodias and I beseech Syntyche that they be of the same mind in the Lord . Who these women were, what was their position in the church, and about what they had disagreed, we know not. Working hard for God does not excuse a bad attitude toward our brethren. Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 2:4). Possibly it was by using their influence to bring others to hear him when he was at Philippi, and by urging them to respond; possibly it was by helping to finance his work; or possibly it was by using their influence with the authorities. Were Euodia and Syntyche squabbling? Hence, as their agreement was a matter of great moment (212), and, on the other hand, there would be great danger attendant on their disagreement, he stirs them up particularly to concord. is spurious). There should be no conflict in the body of Christ. Summary. The chiasm (from step one) and the literary structure of Philippians (from step two) come together on step three. This direct reference to a difference of opinion between two women of prominence in the Philippian Church is probably the best comment we have on the slight dissensions which are here and there hinted at throughout the Epistle. The apostle does not say on whose side the fault lay, but he repeats the παρακαλῶ, not simply, as Alford limits it, to “hint at their present separation,” but to show that he placed the like obligation on each of them. From the whole tone of this Letter, it cannot have gotten seriously out of hand as yet. (2) He also calls on some by name, partly because they needed private exhortation, and partly also to stir up others to be more prompt and ready. , is specifically repeated to them both, showing that they were both in fault, and must each seek a better and a Christian spirit. The Athenian law prescribed that everything that a man might do by the consent or request of a woman should be null in law. The language is such as would properly relate to any difference. In Empire worship ‘the Lord’ was the divine Emperor. Macedonian women were permitted to hold property. [1] In his letter to the Philippians, Paul mentions two women ministers, Euodia and Syntyche,[2] and in just a couple of verses he gives us a glimpse into the value and significance of their ministries (Phil. Curiously enough, there is no masculine name precisely corresponding to be found except the form Sintichus (C.I.L., xii., no. Philippians 4:2–3, Part 1: How Pervasive Is Paul’s Concern with Conflict in the Church? This is partially an honest mistake based on unfamiliarity … Continue reading "Commentary on Philippians … Pronounced “SIN tih keh”, and the name means “fortunate”, “happy chance” or “good luck”. Not being on right terms with our brethren can threaten our salvation (1 John 3:15). ], "Having "the same mindset in the Lord" has been specifically spelled out in the preceding paradigmatic narratives, where Christ ( Philippians 2:6-11) has humbled himself by taking the "form of a slave" and thus becoming obedient unto death on a cross, and Paul ( Philippians 3:4-14) has expressed his longing to know Christ, especially through participation in his sufferings so as to be conformed into the same cruciform lifestyle. Lydia was the first convert, and her house became a meeting place (Acts ch 16).These two Philippian women had a difference of opinion, and we see in them the slight dissension which Paul hints at in places. 1. John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament, Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament, Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary, Heinrich Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament, Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture, Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament, John Eadie's Commentary on Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians, Schaff's Popular Commentary on the New Testament, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Text and Manuscripts of the New Testament. Philippians 4:2-9 - Understand the meaning of Philippians 4:2-9 with Christian Bible study, teaching, sermons, and commentary search on hokma.com. When believers fix their gaze on Christ, the smaller concerns, by which the church must ever be surrounded in this life, sink down to their proper level, far below the life in Christ, and are seen not to be worthy of consideration, if they are to cause a rending of the oneness of the church, which is Christ’s witness on earth. has collected valuable evidence to show the superior position occupied by women in Macedonia. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Answer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). аимной любви, гармонии и мира между верующими. that they be of the same mind in the Lord. His appeal to them is gently, but firmly, put, as became a friend. Their loyalty to each other depends entirely on their loyalty to Him” (p. 71). I exhort Euodia. His words should not be divorced from the context. Although our instinctive reflex is to suppress and deny conflict, Paul lovingly brings it into the open where it can be resolved. Use this table to get a word-for-word translation of the original Greek Scripture. Evidently they were women of note, leaders at Philippi, where, we may remember, the gospel was first preached to women (Acts 16:13), and the church first formed in a woman’s house (Acts 16:14; Acts 16:40). After Paul in Phillipians 4:1-7 speaks of five necessary qualities to have the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, phase 2 begins. But these verses resonate squarely with the appeal to unity (“be of the same mind,” 4:2, compare to 2:2) that runs throughout the letter (1:27; 2:1-4, 14). ], God did not reveal the reason for the estrangement that existed between these two women. They were estimable women and active in Christian work; but they differed and scandal ensued. See his Philippians, p. 56, notes 2, 3, where he quotes Inscrr[20]., in some of which a metronymic takes the place of the patronymic, while others record monuments erected in honour of women by public bodies. For, as Schinz aptly puts it (op. Philippians 4:2­-9 Study Philippians – A Life Worthy of the Gospel Bible Study, Philippians 4, Joy; Leader's Guide. Bible Commentary / Produced by TOW Project Paul asks the Philippians to help two women among them, Euodia and Syntyche, come to peace with each other (Phil. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Phil. True and legitimate joy is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. For beseech, render exhort, and notice the repetition of that word with each name, making the exhortation individual and specific. and I exhort Syntyche. Differences among Christians, especially in religious matters, are a great hinderance to the gospel, and should as soon as practicable be healed. These women ... labored with me in the gospel ... that they be of the same mind in the Lord, Εὐωδίαν παρακαλῶ καὶ Συντύχην παρακαλῶ, αἰνίττεται δὲ ὡς ἔριν τινὰ πρὸς ἀλλήλας ἐχούσας. Euodias and Syntyche were two women at variance; probably deaconesses or persons of influence (Acts 17:12). It may have turned on the question discussed in chap. It may have been accidental friction between two energetic Christian women. This should be Euodia (feminine). He does not exhort the one to be reconciled to the other, for they might have doubted who should take the initiative, and they might wonder, from the position of their names and construction of the sentence, to which of them the apostle attached the more blame. Not a few suppose them to have been deaconesses- πρεσβύτιδες. These two may have been forming parties in the church, and have been regarded as leaders by favourers of one opinion or the other. There are to be no one-sided relationships in Christianity (Romans 12:18). Agreeing in the Lord with other believers does not necessarily mean that we concur on every secondary or tertiary matter. It does mean, however, that we recognize other believers as true brothers and sisters in Christ when we agree on gospel essentials. [Note: Fee, Paul"s Letter . Paul urged each of these two women individually, perhaps so neither would feel that responsibility for healing the breach lay with the other. There are certain threats that are common to all Christian churches that are identified at Philippi. Six Christian bishops named are mentioned in the Dict. Two women connected with the Church were at enmity. In that area of the Empire women had a special prominence and held positions of leadership and authority. The ways such a "mindset" takes feet is by humbly "looking out for the interests of others" within the believing community ( Philippians 2:3-4)." Luke described the city called Philippi as a *Roman ‘*colony’(Acts 16:12). that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Euodia (not Euodias, as Authorised Version) was one of those godly women of which the early church made much use, and who in this case were worthy to be called ‘fellow-strugglers’ with St. Paul for the cause of Christ’s Gospel. . . Philippians 4:1-7: The Peace of God – a Life Commentary discusses how to find the Peace of God from Philippians 4:1-7. The addition of "in the Lord" would remind them that they were under His authority and had much in common as sisters in Christ. The cause of quarrel might be some unworthy question about priority or privilege even in the prosecution of the good work-vainglory leading to strife, as already hinted by the apostle toward the commencement of the second chapter. What it was all about, we have no way of knowing. This sanctification process, starts at rebirth, when we are born of the Spirit, through faith in Christ. cit., p. 37), “in such a pure Church, even slight bickerings would make a great impression”. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As previously mentioned both of these Christians were women, and they were very hard workers for the cause of Christ (), therefore how much more needful it was that they get along. If then, remembering this, they seek to their Master for aid, the unity of spirit will be bestowed. The feminine name is also found in Inscrr[15].— . These were prominent women in the Church, possibly deaconesses. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. 2. He gives with his exhortation both the reason for following it, and the means whereby it may be fully followed. Macedonian women were given an unusual amount of freedom. They are ‘in the Lord,’ servants of the same Master, baptized in the same name, and striving for the same object. Repetition in Philippians. This is part two of a three part series on Philippians 4:1-9, Finding the Peace of God. "in the Lord" would remind them that they were under His authority and had much in common as sisters in Christ. For every combination will inevitably be accursed, if apart from the Lord, and, on the other hand, nothing is so disjoined, but that it ought to be reunited in Christ. On the correct accentuation see the elaborate note in W-Sch[18]., p. 71. not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 4:2-5 Euodia and Syntyche. He assumed they would respond to gentle persuasion. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice”. εὐοδίαν παρακαλῶ, καὶ συντύχην παρακαλῶ, τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν κυρίῳ—“Euodia I exhort and Syntyche I exhort to be of one mind in the Lord.” That these are the Greek names of women is plain from the feminine pronouns of the following verse, to which they are the antecedents. For the prominence of women generally in the Pauline Churches, Cf. Their own bad attitude had already accomplished that much. . Whether the difference related to doctrine, or to something else, we cannot determine from this phrase. Some critics are of opinion that Syntyche was a man. Though he left Tarsu… Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul's appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. In the Lord; in love to him and efforts to promote his cause. “There can be no unity unless it is in Christ. Of Euodia and Syntyche nothing is known. I beg of. 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! [Hitzig, Zur Kritik Paulin. Pauland Silas, with Timothy and Luke, established the church there after theycrossed from Asia into Europe (Acts 16:12-40). Lft[19]. “In the Lord”: “The desired agreement should be sought on the highest ground and from the loftiest motives. [Note: Fee, Paul"s Letter . ., p389. The repetition of the verb is very emphatic, and probably is meant to indicate that the exhortations could not be given at the same time. The verb φρονέω to be minded, occurs eleven times in this epistle, and but seventeen times in the rest of the New Testament. We may note the many female names—Phœbe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Julia, the mother of Rufus, the sister of Nereus—in the long list of greetings to the Church of Rome (Romans 16). “Rejoice in the Lord always”: “Always be glad in the Lord” (Wey). The phrase means “Live in harmony as fellow-Christians” (TCNT), “To agree in the Lord” (Mof), “To make up your differences as Christians should” (Phi), “Be in agreement, live in harmony as sisters in Christ” (Jackson p. 77), “Is to live harmoniously together a way of life that is fit and proper for all who claim to have placed themselves under the Lordship of Christ” (Hawthorne p. 178). Sadly, however, these two appear to have been causing a certain amount of friction (although not serious division), and so Paul calls on them to share the mind of the Lord, as in Philippians 2:5. Question: "What is the meaning of Philippians 4:6?" Philippians 4:2. . Schinz says: “In such a pure church, even slight bickerings would make a great impression.” Paul begs each of them individually, wanting to treat each one exactly the same. Euodia and Syntyche. This is the third part of a three-part series. In the Old Testament ‘the Lord’ was YHWH. 4:2-9 Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. In naming these two Christian women, Paul had not humiliated them. ., p392.]. In chapter 3, Paul spoke primarily about his own situation. But he exhorts them both, the one and the other, to think the same thing-not only to come to a mutual understanding, but to preserve it. Urging was all Paul felt he had to do, not commanding (cf. This shows the English words related to the source biblical texts along with brief definitions. Notice that they are two sincere Christian ladies, they labored with Paul for the gospel. Euodias. VI. He, as it were, calls each of them to his side (parakaleo - to call alongside) in his earnest appeal to them, seeking to direct their minds firmly on the Lord so that they may be of one mind with Him (Philippians 2:5). Lit, mind (Greek. Other less acceptable identifications are that they were two men (Theodore of Mopsuestia) or that they were symbols of Jewish and Gentile Christians (the Tbingen school). In chapter 4, … Indeed wealthy and influential Christian women contributed much to the respectability and success of the church in the early days, often making available a large house at which the church could meet. . It appears, from the testimony which he gives in their favor, that they were very excellent women; for he assigns to them so much honor as to call them fellow-soldiers in the gospel (211). 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. He repeats "I beseech," as if he would admonish each separately with impartiality, both being equally to blame. Context Summary. Obviously, it was not a disagreement concerning some essential point of doctrine, for the apostles had no tolerance for the false teacher (2 John 1:9-11; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 2:20). Philippians 4:2. See under Philippians 2:2. It does not seem to have been any difference in creed or practice, and wholly groundless is the hypothesis of Baur and Schwegler, that the names represent two parties in the church at Philippi-Euodia the Jewish, and Syntyche the heathen party. While I am not inclined to contend as to this, the words of Paul do not afford ground enough for such a conjecture to satisfy us that it really was so. Philippians 4:8-9: Finding the Peace of God – a Life Commentary shares here the second part Philippians 4:8-9 with diagrams – a way to overcome worry. When you develop eyes to see these repetitions, new layers of meaning will open up throughout the Bible, and Philippians is no exception. phroneo, as in Philippians 2:2) the same thing. Очевидно, церковь в Филиппах была на грани распада. Van Hengel needlessly supposes that they had laboured with the apostle at Rome, and were now about to proceed to Philippi with Epaphroditus-this counsel to them being, that in all things they did for the gospel they should act in concert. Euodia ("Success") and Syntyche ("Lucky") were evidently two women in the Philippian congregation. It is a reminder that wherever we find Him called ‘Lord’ it indicates both His total sovereignty and His divine nature. In Greece, generally, their standing was inferior. The name occurs both in Greek and Latin Inscrr[16]., as well as in the Acta Sanctorum (v., 225). Paul's advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. in the Lord—the true element of Christian union; for those "in the Lord" by faith to be at variance, is an utter inconsistency. According to the Tex. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity. We can compare the influence of Lydia (Acts 16:1-15). Its application to Jesus Christ without any accompanying explanatory phrase is therefore very significant. Many strange attempts have been made to find symbolism in these names. Euodias and Syntyche, or the troublesome tongue. Philippians 4:2 - Understand the meaning of Philippians 4:2 with Christian Bible study, teaching, sermons, and commentary search on hokma.com. Lydia was the first convert, and her house became a meeting place (. 4:4-7. To be of the same mind (τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν). We must take notice, however, that, whenever he speaks of agreement, he adds also the bond of it—in the Lord. The New Testament names many women ministers. Philippians 2:4. quoted by Lft[17]. be of the same mind. In the Lord - the element of Christian union: for those "in the Lord" to be at variance is an utter inconsistency. Biogr. What does this verse really mean?