The letter to the Philippian
church is filled with commendations, exhortations and instructions
from Paul the apostle. After bringing the church members to the idea
of standing “fast in the Lord”, Paul moves on to deal with
certain particular issues within the church. One of them was a
dispute between two women who were part of the church. We read in
Philippians chapter four and verse two:
I beseech Euodias, and
beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
The verse begins, “I
beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche,...” As
Paul begins to work with this issue within the church, he twice
employed the word “parakaleĊ” which
means “to call to one's side, call for, summon, to
address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way
of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, to admonish, and
exhort”, and then he named the two women who were having
difficulties. The first was “Euodias” which means
“fragrant” and the second was “Syntyche” which means
“with fate”.
The
verse goes on to say, “...that they be of the same mind in the
Lord.” Undoubtedly “Euodias” and “Syntyche” were having
a dispute because Paul calls for them to “be of the same mind”
which is the Greek phrase “phroneo autos phroneo” and means “to
have understanding or be wise”. Let us note also how they were to
be wise, “in the Lord”. The idea was their lives
represented Jesus Christ, and their disputing should be put away
because of the superiority of their relationships with the Him.
We are
not sure what this dispute between “Euodias” and
“Syntyche” concerned. We only know they were in
disagreement, and for Paul to name them, it must have been quite the
display. Sometimes people have arguments and disputes within
churches, and they need to be “called to one side, addressed,
exhorted or entreated”. As we think about this situation, perhaps
there are people who are currently in a dispute within a church we
attend. If so, let us hear Paul's beckoning words to “be of the
same mind in the Lord”, and let us continue to represent Jesus
in a manner that is pleasing unto God. May the Lord help us to
continue in peace before Him.
Next
time Paul gives instruction concerning the women and fellow-laborers
within the church, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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