In our text for this lesson we have a somewhat embarrassing pause in this great letter to address a problem that has developed between two Christian ladies. This problem, however, provides us with some very powerful teachings about being fellow workers. Let’s consider them.
- FELLOW WORKERS AGREE IN THE LORD (v. 2)
How embarrassing this must have been! This letter was likely read to the church during the assembly! What were they fussing about? Paul does not tell us and the Philippians would have known the situation. Likely it was not a matter of right or wrong but contentions between differing opinions.
It also seems reasonable to conclude they were quarreling about some aspect of how the work of the church ought to go. Why? Because these ladies were “workers” in the church. Again, we don’t know exactly what it was but I can imagine it being something like this. Euodia and her husband had made preparations for Epaphroditus to stay with them when he arrived. Syntyche, however, had made a sign-up sheet for the members to rotate each month regarding the hospitality for Epaphroditus. Both of these women can’t have their way, thus it leads to tension and fussing.
I also suspect that this was not a one-time little squabble because I doubt Paul would mention it in his letter. But the point is that fellow workers in the Lord need to agree, and be agreeable! The very lesson that most of the church at Corinth need to hear! (see 1 Cor. 1:10). The Lord’s servants aren’t to quarrel with each other (see 2 Tim. 2:22). When there is tension and troubles, Christians seek to take care of it in the best and most expedient way possible, not letting the “sun go down on” their wrath (Eph. 4:31).
The attitudes that Paul mentioned in 2:1-4 will prevent many such things from happening, and help us get through them when they do. Humility is probably the key ingredient! Our example is Christ, who’s mind we are to share! (see 2:5).
(2) FELLOW WORKERS ARE PEACEMAKERS (v. 3)
Notice that Paul also asked the brethren there at Philippi to assist these women. They were to help make peace between them (see Mt. 5:9). This could potentially be achieved through graciously trying to help either or both to understand the others’ perspective. We don’t know if this was a factor at Philippi, but sometimes Christians can help make peace by making sure that they are contributing to the work of the church so that too much pressure is not upon too few people. When we bear our burden, the burden of our brother or sister is made lighter (see Gal. 6:5). When we don’t, those who are trying to bear the load can become discouraged and even contentious.
In fact, listen very carefully to what Paul says in Ephesians 4:16: “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Notice that when every part is properly functioning the church builds itself up in love!
You and I have the ability to help create a peaceful and healthy environment in the church. Let’s always be mindful of making peace for the cause of the Prince of Peace! (see Is. 9:6).
(3) FELLOW WORKERS WORK SIDE BY SIDE (v. 3)
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These ladies that are singled out here, were workers for the Lord! They had worked with Paul. They had worked with a Christian man by the name of Clement and others as well. Paul did not need to tell these ladies, “Wake up! You need to be doing something for the cause of Christ and the church.” These ladies were workers in the church!
The word “labored” is a word that denotes “tiring toil.” Though we don’t know the exact form of that toil, you can imagine in that day the special need for hospitality and what would be involved in just providing for the lodging and food for a traveling preacher and doing other good works.
Now, before we look at the final point, I want to say this. Yes, they were having some issues that needed to be resolved, yet there is also little doubt that some of those issues were caused to some degree by their serious attitude toward the Lord’s work! Now, that’s not an excuse, but something to think about.
The Lord wants us striving in accord with one another for His cause. Working for the Lord is one thing. Working with Him and with one another is even more powerful!
(4) FELLOW WORKERS ARE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE! (v. 3)
Paul brings this short segment concerning this personal matter to a conclusion by reminding them that these ladies, Clement, and other fellow workers, have their names written in the book of life. (The “book of life” is also mentioned six times in Revelation: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27). In short, it is a record, in a sense, that notes God’s children. It records the names of those who will receive eternal life.
For our purposes right now, what we need to note is that these ladies, though they are singled out as having an issue, they have their names in that book! That is encouraging! It reminds me that we don’t get our name immediately blotted out the moment we miss the mark in some way! (See also the present continuous tense of “cleanses” in 1 Jn. 1:7-9).
CONCLUSION
Ironically, one of the things that we learn from these two verses is that we may need to be a little bit more like these two ladies in some ways!
Daren Schroeder
