Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

4:1 Therefore. This transitional verse can be read as either the conclusion to the previous section or the introduction to ch. 4. my joy and crown. The Philippians' spiritual success would be Paul's "crowning achievement" (cf. 1 Thess. 2:19-20), and their perseverance and final salvation will bring him great joy (cf. Phil. 2:17).

4:2 Paul does not reveal the source of tension between Euodia and Syntyche. He exhorts them to apply the principle stated in 2:2; agree (4:2) and "being of the same mind" (2:2) are the same Greek phrase (to auto phronein/phronēte).

4:3 Reconciliation often requires third-party intervention, in this case a true companion. This person is unnamed in the ESV, although the word (Gk. syzygos, "true yokefellow," see ESV footnote) could be read as a proper name. Paul is especially eager to see Euodia and Syntyche reconciled because they have labored side by side with him in the gospel. Cf. 1:27, where Paul also encourages unity among those who are "striving side by side" (Gk. synathleō, the same verb used here) for the gospel. Paul did not isolate himself and minister alone; he deliberately worked with many others. In view of first-century culture, Euodia and Syntyche probably ministered mainly among women (cf. notes on Acts 18:26; Rom. 16:7; 1 Tim. 2:12). The book of life has OT roots (e.g., Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28; cf. Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27) and refers to God's record of those who belong to him.