Abstract
Abstract In Phil 4:2–3 Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to unite with each other. He also addresses ‘true yokefellow’, and asks him to assist the two women. This paper disputes the almost universally held assumption that Paul was asking him to mediate a conflict between the two women. Rather, Paul is here calling the church leaders, Euodia and Syntyche, to have the mind of Christ and to foster unity among the Philippian churches, and the other church members to support them. The term ‘true yokefellow’ is a piece of ‘idealized praise’ and is Paul’s way of diplomatically correcting one or more church members.
Highlights
In Philippians 4:2, Euodia and Syntyche are encouraged to be of one mind
There is a long line of interpretation which suggests that Euodia and Syntyche were at odds, and that Syzygos, understood as an individual, is being asked to mediate in their dispute.[1]
Stewart has followed a long line of interpretation in arguing that the rationale for the address is that the episkopoi and diakonoi are the agents of the gift which the Philippians have sent to Paul,[4] in line with what he sees as the economic role of episkopoi and diakonoi elsewhere
Summary
In Philippians 4:2, Euodia and Syntyche are encouraged to be of one mind. We will suggest that Euodia and Syntyche are named because of their leadership function within the church. We will show that Phil 4:1–4 can, and should, be understood entirely in the context of Phil 1:27–2:4, and that Paul is calling yokefellow to unite with Euodia and Syntyche, not to mediate between them. As Lambrecht points out, the passage is puzzling in that it seems to strike a note alien to its surroundings, “the two women who are lacking in agreement in the Lord appear to disturb that exuberant joy.”[2] He further suggests that further research “will hardly provide satisfactory answers.”. He further suggests that further research “will hardly provide satisfactory answers.” The authors of this note think that it might
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