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coming to agreement
Philippians 4:1 So then, my dearly cared about and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear cared about ones.
Philippians 4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be in agreement in the Lord.
Philippians 4:3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.
coming to agreement
Wikipedia* includes this statement in its article on these two women:
“Not surprisingly, Euodia and Syntyche are chiefly remembered as two people who had an argument, and their names are most commonly associated with disagreement. However, for some commentators, as also for some church institutions, there is further significance in the implied leadership role of the two women within the Philippian church. This leadership role, which some have suggested included ordained ministry, is taken to be implied both by Paul’s interest in their argument, and by the language used by Paul in addressing their disagreement.”
Yes, I can see that. Anyone who Paul claims has contended for the gospel at his side is certainly a church leader. Why should we be surprised to find female church leaders anywhere? The Holy Spirit, who empowers people for ministry, was poured out on the poor and the rich, slave and free, Jew and Gentile, male and female.
Both of these women had influence in the Philippian congregations, so it was important that they set their differences aside and come to agreement for the sake of God’s kingdom and their mission.
Lord, help us to find unity, so that your mission is not hindered by our stubbornness.
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* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euodia_and_Syntyche
More posts on Philippians 4:1-3
https://marmsky.com/2011/05/07/joy-in-the-lord/
https://marmsky.com/2011/05/08/joy-from-peace/
https://commandsofchrist.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/chapter-13-forget-your-fears/
https://www.afterlife.co.nz/2011/07/problem-of-hell/
https://jeffersonvann.com/2011/07/17/solving-the-problem-of-hell/
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