Scripture Reference:
Philippians 4:2-3
Name Meaning:
Euodia – “fragrant”
Syntyche – “fortunate”
Introduction:
God does not want us to live in discord or out of sync with God and our fellow believers. He wants us to love and exhort one another. Disruptions to the harmony of our lives and service hinder us in all we do. The issue involving Euodia and Syntyche was briefly mentioned but still holds lessons we can benefit from today.
Lesson:
Philippians 4:2-3: I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the world of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
The Bible is silent about Euodia and Syntyche. Both women’s families are unknown, their lives shrouded in silence and mystery. It is known that both were Greek women of Philippi, therefore among the first hearers of the Gospel. Lydia was the first convert in Philippi, and these women were probably among the first to hear the Gospel soon after.
The first mention of Euodia and Syntyche is also the only mention of these women, and their entire known story is summed up in just two short verses. Philippians 4:2-3 shares with us that the two women, Euodia and Syntyche, were not of the same mind. Some believe this means they were at odds with one another, caught up in dispute. Others claim the issue was not a dispute, but that they were not of the same mind in Christ, therefore not humble as leaders. Christ humbly served during His time on earth, loving people and ministering to them. But we see Paul urging these two women to be of the same mind as Christ. Was this a mindset of loving one another and other individuals or being humble in service?
What we do know is they served as leaders. These two women had previously ministered with Paul, who refers to them as “co-workers,” a term Paul uses for fellow ministers meaning they were likely deaconesses in the early church. He said they struggled alongside him in the world of the gospel. They served in ministry, though we can only speculate specifically about what those roles were.
It is interesting to note that Paul does not solve their problems for them or tell them exactly how to fix the issue other than to be of the mind of the Lord. Obviously, this was an ongoing issue if Paul was aware of it from a distance. It was enough so that it was causing concern, and he was informed of the situation. But he does not try to mediate for them, to make peace, to change their behaviors. He simply asks them to be of the mind of the Lord. He does not remove them from their roles, but rather encourages them to be of the same mind. He encourages them to talk it out with the help of his loyal companion.
It is not hard to imagine that these women did as Paul encouraged them to do. We have no further mention of them, nor do we find their names recorded in history. Whatever the issue, it must have been resolved. You can imagine what a shock it must have been for both women to be called out by such an influential man of God – and called out by name in front of the entire congregation as Paul’s letter was read aloud. Of course, we should remember that Paul does not call people out to shame them, but to strengthen them. He cared for these women, having struggled alongside them, and wanted them supported and aided.
From this passage we can see that it is important for us as women to put differences aside and serve humbly and with humility. We do not want to let our problems hinder our own spiritual growth or affect the growth of others. Don’t be like these two women. If need be, seek out the counsel of a pastor or other leader and resolve issues immediately.
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