Word for Wednesday
I beseech Euodias and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2
To read some of the commentaries and to listen to some of the expositors, you would think that this verse is the central focus of the entire Epistle to the Philippians! You would think that two sisters in this Assembly are at serious odds with each other, the work and the testimony of the Assembly is deeply affected as a result, and the apostle has taken it upon himself to step into the breach in a bid to resolve this painful situation. I think somebody is reading a whole lot more into this than is actually there, don’t you? Has the apostle gone to the trouble of introducing some wonderful doctrine, providing some excellent instruction and guidance, and everything else in this precious epistle, just for the opportunity of working in a 17-word plea to two sisters to patch things up between themselves?
Don’t get me wrong, disputes between sisters can be bitterly dividing and painfully harmful to the testimony. But it’s just a single verse, a short interjection, that we have here. I really believe it’s just a gentle jab by Paul that these ladies who are in the same pew should be singing from the same hymnsheet. The amount of space devoted to this issue indicates to me it’s just a minor issue, and Paul has every expectation that the ladies will kiss and make up just fine. What this verse does tell me, though, is that the Apostle had a great deal of love and care for the folks in Philippi.
The verse previous to today’s text is full of terms of affection and endearment as Paul addresses the Assembly he planted in Philippi. Paul loved those people. On his back were the scars from the lashing he took during the early days, but his heart was full of great memories as he recalled the results of the Gospel preaching by himself and Silas, of the ministry meetings he held with the new believers, of the planting of the testimony and growth of the Assembly.
Elders in today’s Assemblies feel much as Paul did when they consider the Lord’s people they shepherd. There is much to care for, many to teach and encourage, and deep responsibilities to honour. And like Paul, today’s elders are careful to keep the relations among each of the believers sweet. A word of encouragement here and there will help sisters to be of the same mind in the Lord. -Jim MacIntosh