Euodias and Syntyche
Euodias and Syntyche were women of the church of Philippi. They were encouraged by Paul to be of the same mind in the Lord. Euodias and Syntyche demonstrate the necessity of having a like-mindedness of Christ. This is the lesson all Women of Christ should learn from Euodias and Syntyche. We should strive for a like-mindedness of Christ in all that we do. Philippians 4:2-3
Paul pleaded with Euodias and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Paul begged them to be of the same mind in the Lord. They were not in harmony with each other nor were they in harmony with the other women who labored with Paul in the gospel. This suggests that they were causing dissension in the church.
Paul made it clear that Euodias and Syntyche they were not being “true yokefellow.” A yokefellow is united by a bond, in this case, to be like minded in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul asked other true yokefellows to help these women to labor with him in the gospel. Euodias and Syntyche were being admonished so they were not working together in the service of the Lord.
The discord that was being cause was not precisely mentioned, it was a threat to the unity of the church. Paul had to make an appeal for unity between them so he could continue his ministry. Euodias and Syntyche had to be one in their mental attitude towards each other and toward the gospel message. Their basic direction, goal and their conduct of behavior would indeed have to be of the right attitude for the ministry of the church to go forward.
Euodias and Syntyche were Christian ladies of Philippi who seems to have held some kind of a prominent place in the Church of Philippi. Again it must be said that there is no clear cut conclusions regarding the nature of the controversy between the two women. The reason for their conflict is immaterial. It is enough to know there was dissension in the church because of this conflict.
The suggestions that we find in Philippians 4:4-9 can be used as a guide line as to how to be of the same mind in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Moderation can be translated putting on your to mild and gentle side so all people can see the suitable side of Christ in our life. Do not be troubled with cares or seek to promote your interests. Taking everything to prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. We are to use those things, which we have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in our journey with Christ, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Euodias and Syntyche should have laid aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking. They should have been figuring out how they could demonstrate having the like-mindedness of Christ. This is the lesson all Women of Christ should learn from Euodias and Syntyche. We should strive for a like-mindedness of Christ in all that we do.
We should also be practicing temperance that is, self-control, (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially the sensual appetites). Everyone who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 9:25). 2 Peter 1:6 puts it this way; “And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.”
Galatians 5:22-23 puts it this way; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Our energies should be directed in having the like-mindedness of Christ not on the lack of self-control and worrying about the carnal pleasures before us. The giddy instability of our action lead us into the sinful life that intoxicate the very soul and makes us unfit for the service of the LORD God.
A temperate person is one who rules himself, who lets every act that they perform have its own proper place. It is not allowing the emotions, the lusts, or even the excitement of just being young and wanting amused control who we are or who we should be for Christ Jesus.
The problem is today, evil is taking advantage every time we do not practice being temperate. This is weakening us and it is affecting our health and wellbeing. It is having an effect on you as well. Euodias and Syntyche could have destroyed their church because of the dissension in the church. We must strive to not be that force that is used to destroy.
It is our hope, as Women of Christ, to trust in the salvation of Jesus Christ. One of the greatest struggles in life is the search for significance. It is very possible this was the struggle that plagued Euodias and Syntyche. It is not our doing but we are who the LORD has created. There is nothing that we can do to impress our LORD. It is in spite of our sinful nature, that we as humans still have value and worth it is only because we were originally created in the image of God. God proved our worth by sending His only son to die for us “while we were yet sinners.” It is in the forgiveness by the LORD that we are made righteous by God. It is because of the death and Resurrection of Christ that we are made righteous. So we can stand fully adequate to stand before God. We are equipped with the righteousness of Christ and filled with His Spirit, and touched by His grace. Jesus Christ must be the center of everything we do. We must confess; repent; believe and accept the Grace of the LORD God all done in faith and acceptance.
Remembering this alone and striving for the like-mindedness of Christ we can avoid being the cause of any dissension in the lives of the church, our family, friends and even strangers who cross our path. Had Euodias and Syntyche followed these simple guidelines they would not have been the cause of dissension and had to be reprimanded by Paul. They are a wonderful example of what we as Women of Christ should avoid.
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MLA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne “Euodias and Syntyche:.” Becker Bible Studies Library Feb 2015.< https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2193,>.
APA Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015, February) “Euodias and Syntyche:.” Becker Bible Studies Library. Retrieved from https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2193,.
Chicago Style Citation:
Holstein, Joanne (2015) “Euodias and Syntyche:.” Becker Bible Studies Library (February), https://guidedbiblestudies.com/?p=2193, (accessed).
