I urge Euodia and Syntyche
Paul addresses two women, Euodia and Syntyche, who were likely prominent members of the Philippian church. Their names suggest they were of Greek origin, which aligns with the cultural diversity of Philippi, a Roman colony. The mention of these women highlights the important role women played in the early church, as seen in other New Testament passages like Acts 16:14-15, where Lydia, another woman from Philippi, is mentioned. The urging indicates a pastoral concern for unity within the church, a recurring theme in Paul's letters.

to agree with each other
The call for agreement suggests there was a disagreement or conflict between Euodia and Syntyche. Paul often emphasizes unity and harmony among believers, as seen in Romans 12:16 and 1 Corinthians 1:10. The Greek word used here for "agree" implies having the same mind or being in harmony, which is essential for the witness of the church. This appeal reflects the broader biblical principle of reconciliation and peace, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9.

in the Lord
The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that their agreement should be rooted in their shared faith and relationship with Christ. This is a reminder that Christian unity is not based on personal preferences or opinions but on a common commitment to Jesus. Paul frequently uses this phrase to emphasize the spiritual foundation of relationships within the church, as seen in other letters like Ephesians 4:1-3. It underscores the idea that true unity is possible only through the transformative power of the Gospel.

1. Euodia
A member of the Philippian church, mentioned by Paul as needing to reconcile with Syntyche. Her name means "prosperous journey" or "fragrance."

2. Syntyche
Another member of the Philippian church, also urged by Paul to reconcile with Euodia. Her name means "fortunate" or "with fate."

3. Philippian Church
The Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia, to whom Paul wrote this letter. The church was known for its generosity and partnership in the gospel.

4. Apostle Paul
The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage and instruct the church.

5. Reconciliation Event
The specific disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche is not detailed, but Paul’s urging indicates a need for unity and reconciliation within the church.The Importance of Unity in the Church
Unity among believers is crucial for the health and witness of the church. Disagreements should be addressed and resolved in a Christ-like manner.

Personal Responsibility in Reconciliation
Paul addresses both Euodia and Syntyche individually, indicating that each person has a responsibility to seek reconciliation and peace.

Agreeing in the Lord
True agreement and unity are found in the Lord. Believers are called to focus on their shared faith and mission in Christ as the basis for resolving conflicts.

The Role of the Community
The church community can play a supportive role in helping individuals reconcile, providing encouragement and accountability.

The Power of Humility and Forgiveness
Humility and forgiveness are essential attitudes for resolving conflicts. Believers are called to emulate Christ’s humility and willingness to forgive.(2) Euodias.--The name should be Euodia, as is seen by Philippians 4:3. Of Euodia and Syntyche nothing is known. Many strange attempts have been made to find symbolism in these names. 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). We may note the many female names--Ph?be, 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).

Verse 2. - I beseech Enodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord; rather, Euodia. It is plain from the next verse that both are female names. The narrative in Acts 16 shows that the female element was more than usually important in the early Philippian Church. These ladies seem to have held a high position in that Church; possibly they may have been deaconesses, like Phoebe at Cenchrea. Their dissensions disturbed the peace of the Church. The repeated "I beseech" is emphatic; it may, perhaps, also imply that both were in fault. St. Paul earnestly begs them to be reconciled, and to be reconciled as Christians, in the Lord, as members of his body, in the consciousness of his presence. Mark how often the words, "in Christ," "in the Lord," occur in this Epistle; how constantly the thought of spiritual union with Christ was present to the apostle's mind.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I urge
παρακαλῶ (parakalō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

Euodia
Εὐοδίαν (Euodian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2136: From the same as euodoo; fine travelling; Euodia, a Christian woman.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Syntyche
Συντύχην (Syntychēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4941: Syntyche, a woman member of the church at Philippi. From suntugchano; an accident; Syntyche, a Christian female.

to agree
φρονεῖν (phronein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5426: (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord.
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.


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NT Letters: Philippians 4:2 I exhort Euodia and I exhort Syntyche (Philipp. Phil. Php.)