Philippians 4:2, 3 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. A dissension between two women, probably persons of prominence in the Church. Women occupy an important position in the Church at Philippi (Acts 16:13-18). This fact may account somewhat for its orthodoxy, its fervent devotion, and its special temptation to want of unity. This particular dissension is regarded by St. Paul to be of sufficient importance to demand a notice in this Epistle, and to call for his personal interposition. 1. The only method of healing dissension. Persons alienated from one another must be brought to be of one mind in the Lord. No reconciliation is abiding except it be in him who is the Peace-maker. 2. To heal dissension is a work worthy of the highest ministry of the Church. St. Paul calls to his aid their chief pastor, Clement, who was afterwards Bishop of Rome, and others whose names are in the book of life. No error in the Church is worse than the error of uncharitableness and envy. 3. To remove such dissensions is truly to help (ver. 3) those who are the victims of them. Note that even they who labored with St. Paul were not free from human infirmities. They who could stand by him in his work now need all his entreaties and endeavors to bring them into reconciliation. A warning to all Church workers. - V.W.H. Parallel Verses KJV: I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.WEB: I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. |
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