Philippians 4:2-3

Posted by DJL on Nov 20, 2012 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

We are at the beginning of another new section. This may perhaps be a fragment of yet a third letter, concerned with some of the practical details of the Philippians’ communal life. Or just as likely it may be the kind of housekeeping that we often append to the end of our notes. Between the close of central body of a letter and final greetings, that is, we sometimes fit in the odds and ends of less significant matters.

Either way, we might be tempted to wonder what’s going on? Less significant matters is one thing, but up to this point Paul has been either instructing his congregation in the joy of the Lord or warning them of false paths away from faith. And now he’s meddling in interpersonal affairs?

Yup. And I actually find that kind of comforting. It means, among other things, that Paul isn’t the kind of pastor who is so heavenly-minded that he’s no earthly good. Paul has been the leader of this fledgling Christian community. He has been in their homes and eaten meals with them. They are his companions, co-workers, and friends. And so what’s going on with them matters to him.

We don’t know what the problem was between Euodia and Syntyche, we just know they were at odds. And that hurt – them, the community, and Paul. And so he writes, urging them to find a way toward reconciliation.

Except it’s more than that.

Paul knows very well that his letter will likely be read aloud when the community gathers. Therefore, his words aren’t simply counsel on a personal matter, but rather a public entreaty. Which means at least two things. First, whatever divided these two, it was significant enough that it was affecting the community, and so Paul wanted to address it publicly. Second, Paul needed to make his public appeal with care. If he seemed overly harsh or authoritarian, or if he embarrassed these two colleagues, the rift between them might grow rather than mend.

Notice, in this respect, that he is quite straightforward – there is apparently no reason to beat around the bush. Moreover, people often appreciate directness – direct and compassionate speech is a sign of respect. Second, Paul honors them by acknowledging their competency and value. Moreover, at no point does he embarrass them by elaborating on their difficulty or withholding his confidence that they are capable of what he asks. Rather, he is direct, respectful, and commends them to the whole community.

Not a bad model for how to relate to the important people we live and work with as well.

Prayer: Dear God, let our relationships reflect the love, respect, and compassion we have experienced in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.