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Bible Study -
Bible Study
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Thursday, 14 September 2006 |
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Page 2 of 2 Secondly, the point of the agreement is, “in the Lord”. Paul does not urge the women to find common ground in opinions or perspectives but respectful agreement with one another because of their shared submission to their Lord. The word used for agree is “phroneo” [Blue Letter Bible] and implies humility and seeking a common interest. It does not include attempting to cajole another party's acquiescence to a viewpoint. If Jesus is Lord, then our common interest is that of Christ. We move together in the same direction because our Saviour leads us. We have a shared mind because we are part of the same body with the same head.
Thirdly, Paul calls on others to help Euodia and Syntyche. Clement, Syzygus (loyal yokefellow) and the rest of the fellow workers. The onus for facilitating resolution is placed on others in the congregation. We can not always assume Christians will “work it out” between themselves. Conflicts and disagreements often help from outside. Remember, this is a publicly read letter. The entire body in Philippi heard it. Paul has positioned the church for victory in this matter by setting the level of accountability high. We know who needs help and who is called to help with the body as witness. When there is disagreement we need help.
Despite the brevity and lack of detailed information about the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche in this passage, we gain great understanding into God's heart concerning unity. With loving kindness we are called to call sin, sin. We agree “in the Lord”. We need the help of others. May we as Restoration churches capture Paul's heart in dealing with disagreement amongst our own fellowships.
References
Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'phroneo (Strong's 5426)' " . Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2002. 14 Sep 2006. <http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/words.pl?word=5426&page=1>
Reese, Jack. The Body Broken. Siloam Springs, AR: Leafwood Publishers, 2005.
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Euodia and Syntyche
Written by Alan on 2006-09-19 11:55:52
Hi Phil,
I think it's significant that Paul did not take sides in their disagreement. It appears to have been a matter of opinion. As you point out, he was calling them to recognize their higher common interest. That would also be great advice for the Restoration churches. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 September 2006 )
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