Philippians 4 2

Philippians 4:2 kjv

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2 nkjv

I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2 niv

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2 esv

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2 nlt

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 2 Meaning

Philippians 4:2 is a direct and heartfelt plea from the Apostle Paul to two prominent women within the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to resolve their personal disagreement and align their minds with each other, based on their shared identity and purpose in the Lord Jesus Christ. It underscores the critical importance of unity among believers for the spiritual health and effective witness of the church.

Philippians 4 2 Context

Philippians chapter 4 serves as Paul's concluding exhortations to the Philippian church, blending general appeals for spiritual steadfastness and joy with specific, practical directives. Paul had a particularly deep affection for this church, viewing them as his "joy and crown" (v.1). The chapter opens with an urgent call to stand firm "in the Lord," which sets the spiritual tone for subsequent instructions. Philippians 4:2, therefore, is nestled within Paul's heartfelt encouragement for joy, peace, unity, and an upright Christian life.

Historically, Philippi was a Roman colony, enjoying significant privileges. Its citizens prided themselves on their Roman identity, which could sometimes translate into an emphasis on social standing and honor within the community. Early Christian communities, while groundbreaking in their inclusivity, were not immune to personal disagreements or status-based conflicts. The Philippian church included influential women, such as Lydia, and likely Euodia and Syntyche, who are referred to elsewhere as "co-workers" (Phil 4:3). Their prominent roles made their disunity a particularly significant threat to the church's harmony and witness. Paul's direct address to these specific individuals indicates that their conflict was known, personal, and potentially disruptive, requiring specific, loving intervention from their spiritual leader. This call for unity against internal strife directly counters any cultural tendencies towards personal ambition or an unwillingness to yield for the greater good of the community.

Philippians 4 2 Word analysis

• I plead with (παρακαλῶ - parakalō):
  • Meaning: To call alongside, entreat, exhort, encourage, implore. It's a strong and earnest appeal, more than a casual suggestion, but also not a harsh command.
  • Significance: Reflects Paul's pastoral heart and his genuine concern. It implies a deeply felt spiritual counsel, drawing on the authority of his apostleship yet expressing it with tenderness, urging reconciliation from a place of love and shared faith. This word is also used to encourage (Acts 11:23) and to make solemn appeals (Rom 12:1).
• Euodia (Εὐοδία - Euodia):
  • Meaning: Greek name, literally meaning "good way" or "prosperous journey."
  • Significance: This is a specific personal name, indicating that the conflict was real and involved actual individuals within the church. It's not a general hypothetical issue. Her mention immediately shows the practical, personal dimension of church life.
• and I plead with (παρακαλῶ - parakalō):
  • Significance: Paul reiterates his earnest plea, demonstrating equal concern and direct address to both women. He shows no partiality but emphasizes the reciprocal responsibility for reconciliation.
• Syntyche (Συντύχη - Syntyche):
  • Meaning: Greek name, meaning "fortunate" or "lucky encounter."
  • Significance: Another specific name, underscoring the reality and particularity of the disagreement. Together with Euodia, they represent prominent women likely involved in significant ministry, whose unresolved conflict jeopardized the unity they helped to build.
• to agree with each other (τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν - to auto phronein):
  • Meaning: Literally, "to think the same thing," "to have the same mind" or "to be of one accord." It doesn't necessarily mean agreement on every minor opinion but rather a unity of purpose, affection, values, and essential Christian perspective.
  • Significance: This is the core of Paul's exhortation. It calls for a spiritual harmony, a unified mindset focused on Christ and the gospel, which would transcend any personal differences. It's a deliberate act of choosing a shared Christian outlook over personal grievances. It’s the same mind Paul asked the entire church to have in Phil 2:2-5.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō):
  • Meaning: "In Christ," "in union with the Lord." This phrase defines the sphere and source of their unity.
  • Significance: This is the crucial qualifier. Their agreement is not to be a worldly compromise for the sake of social etiquette or reputation, but a spiritual reconciliation, rooted in their shared identity, salvation, and purpose in Christ. It highlights that their conflict is fundamentally at odds with their standing as believers, whose lives should be characterized by the Lord's peace and unity. The power to agree also comes from the Lord.

Philippians 4 2 Bonus section

The specific mention of Euodia and Syntyche as women whom Paul regards as his "co-workers" in the gospel (Phil 4:3) reveals their significant influence and contributions within the Philippian church. This elevates the concern for their disunity, as prominent figures could inadvertently create deeper divisions within the community. Paul's public naming of them, though direct, was not shaming but a pastoral act to highlight the gravity of internal strife and to rally the entire community around the imperative of peace. Furthermore, the very fact that their dispute made it onto an apostolic letter underscores that no personal quarrel, however seemingly private, can remain outside the concern for the spiritual health of the church, especially among leaders. The unknown nature of their disagreement further broadens the verse's application: it implies that the reason for the dispute often matters less than the resolution in a Christ-honoring way. It stands as a timeless reminder that while different opinions will arise in any community, maintaining spiritual unity and "the mind of Christ" (Phil 2:5) must always take precedence over personal discord.

Philippians 4 2 Commentary

Paul's specific exhortation to Euodia and Syntyche highlights a significant pastoral challenge within the early church: personal friction among key members. Though the nature of their disagreement is not specified, it was clearly serious enough to warrant apostolic intervention, threatening the Philippian church's harmony. Paul's "plead" (parakalō) conveys not a harsh rebuke, but a heartfelt, urgent appeal, recognizing their stature and their potential to either uplift or divide. The phrase "to agree with each other in the Lord" is central. It demands not mere superficial truce, but a profound shift in mindset – aligning their thoughts, affections, and wills with the principles and character of Christ. This "agreement" is not a call for doctrinal conformity but for spiritual harmony and a shared, Christ-centered purpose that prioritizes the gospel's advancement over individual preferences or grievances. The critical phrase "in the Lord" emphasizes that their reconciliation is mandated, enabled, and defined by their common relationship with Christ, transforming it from a mere social agreement into a divine imperative for church unity and a consistent witness to the world. Their unresolved dispute undermined the gospel Paul had urged them to live out boldly (Phil 1:27). The message is timeless: personal peace and unity among believers are not optional but essential for the vibrant health and effective mission of God's people.

Examples for Practical Usage:

• Prioritizing Christ: When faced with a disagreement, actively ask, "How would resolving this 'in the Lord' look?"
• Humble Forgiveness: If offended, practice giving the same grace one receives from Christ.
• Seeking Common Ground: Focus on shared faith, mission, and love for Christ as a foundation for moving past differences, rather than insisting on individual points of view.