Steadfast in Unity

Philippians 4:1–3
We live in a changing, decaying, unraveling world. A general increase in lawlessness and crime, government regulations, high taxes, poor education, and a decline in the quality of life pervade society. Legions of despondent, homeless people live on city streets. And many Christians are filled with fear, worry, and hopelessness, believing what they face is unique to them.

The apostle Paul had every reason to be discouraged by his surroundings too. He lived in an ungodly society that opposed him wherever he went, and he encountered continual opposition by religious leaders who sought to disrupt his ministry and kill him. He also faced cultic teachers, men with selfish ambition seeking to control the churches he established.

Meanwhile, he dealt with corruption within churches at Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, and Philippi. Incarcerated in Rome and awaiting trial while writing to the Philippians, the apostle faced the death penalty if found guilty.

Paul had many reasons to worry and feel hopeless. Instead, he stood fast in the Lord and—in a spirit of joy, hope, and victory—penned his assurance that the Lord, who never changes, was abiding with him.

Paul’s Affection
Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Phil. 4:1).

Paul used the word therefore after writing about the Philippian believers’ glorious heavenly citizenship (3:20). Being citizens of heaven gave these Christians enabling power and confidence for a steadfast life. They were assured that, eventually, Jesus Christ will conquer and vanquish all the enemies of the cross (v. 18).

Paul wrote the phrase in the Lord nine times in this epistle (1:14; 2:19, 24, 29; 3:1; 4:1, 2, 4, 10). Christ purchased and possessed the Philippian believers, who had received power and protection through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore, they had all they needed to live victoriously.

In Philippians 4:1, the apostle used four terms to express his love for the Philippians:

1. Beloved. This term shows his deep affection.

2. Longed-for brethren. Paul strongly desired Christian fellowship with them, especially those he had personally discipled.

3. My joy. The apostle had led them to Christ, which brought great joy to his heart.

4. Crown. The Philippians were the reward of Paul’s ministry. The Greek word translated here as “crown” is stephanos, referring to a laurel wreath athletes received for winning contests in the Greek games (1 Cor. 9:25). Equivalent to a trophy or plaque of recognition today, this crown of victory is symbolic of honor, glory, and reward, which Paul will be given at the Judgment Seat of Christ, bringing him joy and rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (1 Th. 2:19).

Paul’s Admonishment
Paul told the Philippians, “Stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Phil. 4:1). Christ is the secret to a Christian’s strength and security in this hopeless, sin-sick society. Because Christ abides with believers and in them, Christians can stand fast in victory.

Concerning this security, Pastor Lehman Strauss (1911–1997) wrote,

You are in Christ. He is your power and protection; therefore, stand fast in Him. You are His possession; He owns you. Therefore stand fast in Him. Stand fast in the faith that is in Christ (1 Cor. 16:13). Stand fast in the fellowship that is in Christ (Phil. 1:27). Stand fast in the freedom that is in Christ (Gal. 5:1). Stand fast in the foundations that are in Christ (2 Thess. 2:15). Here the believer is exhorted to stand fast in the family that is in Christ—”My brethren dearly beloved . . . stand fast in the Lord” (Phil. 4:1).¹

Paul’s Appeal
Paul wrote to two women in the Philippian church who had a falling out with each other: “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2).

Nothing in Scripture reveals who Euodia and Syntyche might be. Most commentators suggest they were prominent women in the church, rather than troublemakers. They probably did not quarrel over a doctrinal matter because Paul did not mention one. They more likely disagreed over a minor issue that was disrupting the church and causing people to take sides.

Evidently, both women thought they were right; and neither tried to work with the other to solve the issue. Leaving the problem unsolved would hurt the church’s reputation among the unsaved and cause a major rift in the church body. Many churches have been torn apart by private quarrels that spread and engulf the entire congregation, causing division, recrimination, and bitterness.

Naturally, people within the church will hold differing opinions due to varying degrees of education, experiences, scriptural knowledge, and spiritual growth in their walks with the Lord. Thus, Christians can differ on issues without creating disruption, disunity, and division, and without causing individuals to leave the church.

Paul quickly and directly admonished the women “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2; cf. 1 Cor. 1:10), meaning he wanted them to think the same thing, or be likeminded. He gave the whole Philippian church this same message earlier in his letter (Phil. 2:2). Euodia and Syntyche needed to share the church’s goal and live in harmony with each other.

Although Christians may disagree on some issues because of cultural background or personality, they must find a way to reconcile with one another. Paul wanted these two women to approach divisive issues as Christ instructed in order to restore harmony. A diversity of perspectives and ideas can be helpful in solving problems if done “in the Lord.” However, disunity can destroy Christian fellowship.

Paul’s Advice
Euodia and Syntyche’s disagreement was so detrimental to the body of Christ that Paul called on the church to seek outside help: “And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life” (4:3).

These women who “labored with [Paul] in the gospel” were of superior character. Before causing a problem in the church, they had cooperated in perfect harmony with the apostle to proclaim the gospel in Philippi. They did not usurp authority or take the place of men in preaching God’s Word but, rather, had availed themselves of open doors and the ability to reach women and children for Christ.

The designation true companion (Greek, syzygos) can be understood in two ways. First, it may refer to an individual named Suzuge, which means “true yokefellow,” who may have been an elder in the church. Second, it may be a description of the person Paul asked to help settle the women’s disagreement.

These women also worked with Clement (referenced in Scripture only here) and some of Paul’s other “fellow workers” (v. 3) who are not mentioned by name here but are mentioned in the Book of Life (cf. Rev. 3:5).

Elsewhere, Paul called on Spirit-led believers in touch with the needs of their brethren to reach out and help restore a church member caught in sin. The apostle illustrated this action by offering a hypothetical example of such a person: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1).

All of us in the Lord’s service need to heed these wise instructions to have harmony and peace with God and other Christians, as well as within ourselves. Then, as Paul did, we can stand fast in the Lord, in whom we place our hope.

ENDNOTE

1. 1. 1. Lehman Strauss, Devotional Studies in Philippians (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1959), 212–213.

David M. Levy is a Bible teacher, author, former pastor, and the retired director of International Ministries for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.