16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PEOPLE (PHIL 4:1-3)

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PEOPLE (PHIL 4:1-3):

After teaching about the valuable principles for the practical Christian living by following the higher values and Lord Jesus Christ, Paul encourages the Philippians by writing that therefore, his brothers, whom he loves and longs for, his joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, his beloved. Paul affirms how close he is with them in his heart, though he is far away from them, by calling them brothers, by expressing how much he loves them and yearns for them, by considering them to be his happiness and reward because of his work towards them, and overall by calling them beloved. There were some deviations and false perceptions that were spreading in the church, and Paul had already instructed to press on toward their Goal, which is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and he once again emphasizes being well established in the ways of the Lord by following His words.

Paul then entreats Euodia, and he entreats Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Euodia and Syntyche were some prominent leaders in the church. They were mostly perceived to be women leaders, but lacked supportive evidence. Whatsoever, there were some differences in opinion between them and the church or between themselves because of the conflict in their relationship or the doctrines. Paul doesn’t elaborate on the issue, but there should be some disturbance or division in the church because of their disagreement, and Paul emphasizes the importance of being united in the Lord, irrespective of differences. All the differences could be wiped out only by rightly understanding the Lord and His word.

Paul then writes with affirmation that he also asks his true companion to help those women, who have laboured side by side with him in the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of his fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. The true companion could be one of the well-recognized senior leaders who served the Lord by spreading the gospel of Christ along with Paul and in the church of Philippians. Paul encourages his true companion to take authority to resolve issues and support women who served the Lord along with Paul, Clement, who is associated with Paul and the Philippian church, and along with the fellow workers who are instrumental in the sharing and spreading of the Gospel. Paul also conveys that their names are written in the book of God’s eternal decrees and righteous judgment.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      How does Paul address the Philippians? Why?

2.      Why does Paul instruct his recipients to stand firm?

3.      Who are Euodia and Syntyche?

4.      What does  Paul instruct Euodia and Syntyche?

5.      What does Paul mean by saying ‘agree in the Lord’?

6.      Who is the true companion?

7.      What does Paul instruct the true companion?

8.      Who is Clement?

9.      What is the reward to those who laboured in the gospel together?

10.  What is the book of life?

11.  How shall we encourage our fellow believers?

How shall we be supportive of one another?

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