EUODIAS AND SYNTYCHE

Philippians 4:2-3 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women, which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

In the lesson text, Paul admonishes two members of the church of Christ at Philippi, named Euodias and Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. Other than what is mentioned here, nothing is known of these two individuals. Paul said they labored with me in the gospel. The indication is that they labored with Clement also. There is neither additional information about Clement other that that found here. He was evidently a Christian preacher or teacher that was aided, in some way, by Euodias and Syntyche. The other person mentioned in this text, is not specifically named but is referred to only as a true yokefellow, a fellow laborer for the cause of Christ. This person, Paul was encouraging to help Euodias and Syntyche settle the matter on which they appeared to be in disagreement. Some bible scholars speculate that the person mentioned here was Epaphroditus, a Christian believer at Philippi, and a fellow laborer that visited Paul while he was a Roman prisoner.

Much speculation has also been given to the differences that existed between these two Christians; differences that brought Paul to the point of intervening and admonishing them that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Most bible scholars seem to agree that Euodias and Syntyche were both women of the church at Philippi. However, there are a few that speculate that Euodias was a woman and Syntyche was a man, and even possibly her husband. Whether they were male or female seems to be irrelevant. The significant point here is that there was some type of disagreement that needed to be reconciled. It is this difference of minds that Paul addresses in this text. Just as their gender was subject to speculation, so was the nature of the disagreement that needed to be reconciled.

The question that arises and brings lengthy discussions is, "Over what were these two Christians at odds, each holding a different opinion or state of mind?" Some believe the contention arose from a civil action that may have been taken by one against the other. Some contend that there were differences of opinion over church discipline or doctrine, and that such disagreements were openly displayed, causing much animosity. Others seem to think that they had a disagreement over personal opinions, rather than gospel doctrine, and that such were the result of personality conflicts or egocentricities. Regardless of the circumstances that resulted in their disagreements, it is evident that it was having a detrimental affect on the membership of the church, and possibly causing strife and divisions within this body of Christ.

It is my opinion that the dissention between Euodias and Syntyche was over personal matters rather than Christian doctrine. If the tenets of God's word were being compromised, I believe Paul would have corrected the matter in no uncertain terms, leaving no doubt as to what was scriptural and what was not. I believe Paul would have censured the party he found guilty of misinterpreting God's word, and would have praised the party that remained steadfast in their truthful interpretation. This fact we know, when Paul condemned false teachers he did so in no uncertain terms. Notice his writing to Titus regarding false teachers: They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:16).

Paul openly reprimanded anyone that walked disorderly in the church in Thessalonica. He did not recommend that they "settle their differences among themselves," but he commanded them in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from them (2 Thess. 3:6). Also, notice how Paul dealt with the sin of fornication that raised its ugly head in the church at Corinth. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:3-5). These specific disagreements were definitely scriptural in nature, and Paul dealt with them with direct commandments, spelling out who and what was right, and who and what was wrong.

This did not appear to be the case between Euodias and Syntyche; these Christians in the church at Philippi. If there were violations of scriptural tenets, Paul, as he did on all other occasions, would most certainly have corrected it openly in this letter requiring the eldership of the church to take necessary action to correct their disagreement. In this case he beseeched (earnestly pleaded, entreated, and implored) them to settle their differences and be of the same mind in the Lord, even asking other members of the congregation to help them; to serve as mediators in this needed reconcilement.

If their dissension was not over scriptural matters, why was it then, and why is it now, important for members of the church of Christ to be like-minded, and to avoid any appearance of confrontation? The answer is to prevent those that are weak, or babes in Christ, from stumbling, losing faith, returning to worldly ways of life, and speaking evil of the church of Christ. The one thing that contributes most to the ineffectiveness of church growth, and filling the spiritual needs of the congregation and the sphere of influence that surrounds it, is the backbiting, slandering, and debate that is carried on in a public forum, over petty, insignificant, inconsequential, or trivial matters. That forum could be any place where others view it indiscriminately, whether it is in religious services or meetings, restaurants, beauty shops, civic venues, or on the street corner. However, it is definately harmful to the church of Christ if it is debated and argued, before the congregation in which members and guests are assembled during a regularly scheculed worship service or bible study.

Christians arguing and debating among themselves, or with those outside the body of Christ, over any issue, spiritual or secular, is more often than not, detrimental to the cause of Christ. The world will accept Jesus Christ only from members of His body that demonstrate love for their fellow man. Where debates and arguments abide among Christians, love does not exist, and effective teaching of God's word is made void. Where debate exists over scriptural issues, the well-learned Christian participant can, and usually is, right - he "wins the war but loses the battle." The foe can be "put in his place," and gospel truths can be triumphantly paraded before the public, but they will not be readily received, because public arguments are never "won!" When such occurs, the cause of Christ generally suffers setbacks that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to overcome.

In the process of becoming mature Christians, we have all witnessed, from time to time, infighting among brethren of the church. It occasionally happens. And when it does we all view it as ugly, devastating, and a giant stumbling block, that can totally impede the efforts of the church. I, for one, have witnessed many Christians, mainly those younger in physical and spiritual age, including some of my family members, that have become disenchanted with God's church, because some of its members disregard Paul's admonition to be of the same mind in the Lord. When this occurs within the church, its commission to preach the gospel message of salvation to its membership, its community, and to the world at large, often suffers major setbacks, and sometimes results in complete failure.

True, Jesus, on many occasions spoke and acted angrily toward certain individuals, groups, and audiences. So did His disciples. However, being able miraculously to see into the hearts of all people they confronted, gave them an ability beyond that of Christians today. God, through His Holy Spirit directly inspired their actions. We do have Paul's message in this text as a guide to our Christian conduct. Paul would say, "I beseech thee fellow Christians, that ye be of the same mind in the Lord.I implore thee gospel preachers, to also avoid public displays of anger and confrontation; that they, not only support and conduct their lives centered on same-mindedness, but preach it continually from the pulpit." Paul would also add, "I plead with all elders and deacons that they truly understand, accept the unity found in sameness of mind, before assuming these offices within the church of Christ, as well as afterwards, in carrying out their duties and responsibilities." Likewise Paul would tell today's teachers to "study God's word, understand it, teach it to the best of your ability, and, at all times, avoid heated classroom discussions with tactful teaching diplomacy."

Be of the same mind in the Lord, and the church of Christ will grow and fill its God-given purpose of bringing the hope of salvation to the world. Disregard Paul's lesson, based on the truths found in God's word, and its mission will suffer and fail.