Select Page
Read Introduction to Philippians

 

“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.

 

Neither Euodia nor Syntyche would take the first step to solve their running feud. They had been in their bitterness too long. No doubt they exaggerated the other person’s injury upon them. As they studied and brooded over it, they thought about their rights. Each person believed she was justified in dividing the church. Therefore, Paul had to take a measure beyond challenging them to “be of the same mind” (v. 2). He challenged a mediator to intervene.

“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women” 

Since Euodia and Syntyche could not work out their problems by themselves, Paul asked a mediator in the Philippian church to intervene between them. The word “urge” means to ask or request. It means to petition someone who is on an equal level. Paul needed someone with a cool head. This “true companion” is not named. The word “true” means genuine. This man possessed genuine Christian character. True character will not take sides. He will not subjectively judge who is right. He will examine the facts independent of friendship. 

Paul challenged this third-party intermediary to “help” these women. The word “help” means to take hold of together or bring together. Paul was asking this individual to bring these women together to resolve the conflict. There are times in Christian life when we cannot help ourselves. We need help from others when we are so far apart that it appears we cannot come together.

Jesus views the work of a peacemaker with high regard:

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called the sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

Jesus Himself was an intermediary and understood the importance of that role (Eph. 2:14).

PRINCIPLE: 

Mediation is necessary at times when there appears to be an irresolvable conflict between believers.

APPLICATION: 

Have you allowed a long-standing conflict to stalemate a relationship in your life? Why not seek help from a qualified mediator? Are you humble enough to recognize that you need help?

Share