Restoration
“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4.2, 3
What is the first thing that comes into you mind when you hear the names Euodias and Syntyche?
I’ve heard them demonized, vilified and spiritually scorched. Some have suggested that their names may have more in common with an odiousness and an overly touchy personality that what should grace the local assembly. Some have suggested that there is a hidden meaning within the names that is somehow carried over from the Greek into the English – in order for the reader not to miss the reprehensible nature of these two. After all, isn’t it true that more drama is embraced by the ladies than the men? (Of course only a man would say that. In reality, both men and women are guilty of drama within the church.)
Euodias is a proper name derived from the same common term meaning “fragrant.” Her name was included among the inscriptions of the New Testament period and literally means: “Have a nice and prosperous journey.” The moniker “Euodian” was often offered as a blessing to travelers. She was one who labored much with Paul in the gospel. He exhorts her to be of one mind with Syntyche (Philippians 4.2). From what we read of her, she does not seem to be the contentious individual so many preachers have claimed her to be.
I suppose then the culprit in the mix must be Syntyche. Well, maybe not. Syntyche’s name means “happy chance” or “pleasant acquaintance.” Her name is also found among the ancient inscriptions and refers to Lydia. Of course, we know this Lydia to be a woman of Thyatira, a seller of purple, and the first European convert of Paul. Afterwards, she became Paul’s hostess during his first stay at Philippi. It seems quite improbable that either of these two ladies would be the type who would either cause or promote discontent among the church members.
Yet, Paul entreats each one, individually to reconcile by agreeing together to have the same mind concerning the Lord. He first encourages them by calling them special names which would appeal to their sweetness. What had happened? How could these two wonderfully faithful ladies have issues? I’ve been a pastor for many years and found during my years that those who do nothing more than warm a seat in the congregation of the comfortable, seldom find themselves in conflicts of any type. As long as the sanctuary is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, they are fine – especially if they are never asked to do anything. But, get together a group of wonderfully spirit-filled ladies in the church kitchen, and often more than the oven will heat up. Get a group of men together in a building program and often the Spirit of God is left on the doorstep as they enter into consultation over whether the carpet should be blue or red.
It appears that these two ladies were co-laborers together for the Lord. They had labored so intensely that they forgot to keep their eyes on the Savior. Paul took step one in the process of reconciliation – he personally confronted the two ladies – the ones who were involved. (Matthew 18.15, 16) He then invoked the help of other true believers to join in the restoration process. (See Philippians 4.3) Paul was not condemning these ladies. He was encouraging them. He saw that they were tired and had become weary in well doing. (Galatians 6.9; II Thessalonians 3.13) He recognized that they needed a renewal of their vision and focus.
Too often, our churches take too little time in understanding those who are tired and weary. It’s so much easier to chastise someone out of the assembly rather than love them back into the fellowship. Rescue the perishing not only applies to reaching the lost; but, it also refers to ministering to those who have fainted in the work.
I’ve heard them demonized, vilified and spiritually scorched. Some have suggested that their names may have more in common with an odiousness and an overly touchy personality that what should grace the local assembly. Some have suggested that there is a hidden meaning within the names that is somehow carried over from the Greek into the English – in order for the reader not to miss the reprehensible nature of these two. After all, isn’t it true that more drama is embraced by the ladies than the men? (Of course only a man would say that. In reality, both men and women are guilty of drama within the church.)
Euodias is a proper name derived from the same common term meaning “fragrant.” Her name was included among the inscriptions of the New Testament period and literally means: “Have a nice and prosperous journey.” The moniker “Euodian” was often offered as a blessing to travelers. She was one who labored much with Paul in the gospel. He exhorts her to be of one mind with Syntyche (Philippians 4.2). From what we read of her, she does not seem to be the contentious individual so many preachers have claimed her to be.
I suppose then the culprit in the mix must be Syntyche. Well, maybe not. Syntyche’s name means “happy chance” or “pleasant acquaintance.” Her name is also found among the ancient inscriptions and refers to Lydia. Of course, we know this Lydia to be a woman of Thyatira, a seller of purple, and the first European convert of Paul. Afterwards, she became Paul’s hostess during his first stay at Philippi. It seems quite improbable that either of these two ladies would be the type who would either cause or promote discontent among the church members.
Yet, Paul entreats each one, individually to reconcile by agreeing together to have the same mind concerning the Lord. He first encourages them by calling them special names which would appeal to their sweetness. What had happened? How could these two wonderfully faithful ladies have issues? I’ve been a pastor for many years and found during my years that those who do nothing more than warm a seat in the congregation of the comfortable, seldom find themselves in conflicts of any type. As long as the sanctuary is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, they are fine – especially if they are never asked to do anything. But, get together a group of wonderfully spirit-filled ladies in the church kitchen, and often more than the oven will heat up. Get a group of men together in a building program and often the Spirit of God is left on the doorstep as they enter into consultation over whether the carpet should be blue or red.
It appears that these two ladies were co-laborers together for the Lord. They had labored so intensely that they forgot to keep their eyes on the Savior. Paul took step one in the process of reconciliation – he personally confronted the two ladies – the ones who were involved. (Matthew 18.15, 16) He then invoked the help of other true believers to join in the restoration process. (See Philippians 4.3) Paul was not condemning these ladies. He was encouraging them. He saw that they were tired and had become weary in well doing. (Galatians 6.9; II Thessalonians 3.13) He recognized that they needed a renewal of their vision and focus.
Too often, our churches take too little time in understanding those who are tired and weary. It’s so much easier to chastise someone out of the assembly rather than love them back into the fellowship. Rescue the perishing not only applies to reaching the lost; but, it also refers to ministering to those who have fainted in the work.
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