Wildflowers: Week Two | Euodia & Syntyche the Thistlesنموونە

Euodia and Syntyche

Can you imagine having your name written in the Bible? That far surpasses the average five minutes of fame one hopes to get in this lifetime. I suppose the follow-up question would be, why? Why was my name written in the Bible? Did I do something awesome or something loathsome? Maybe both. One thing I love about Scripture, unlike social media, is that it is honest. It is not carefully curated to take away people's flaws, but it's generous to include their victories. Euodia and Syntyche are in the B-I-B-L-E. Whatever you want to say about them, they made the grade.

By now we're painfully aware that thistles have thorns. But have you stopped to consider that God created them that way? Every craftsman has plenty of tools in their toolbox. Mr. Hammer is loud. The screwdriver always drives home the point. And the file keeps buffing away all the rough edges of others. But the carpenter needs them all to make something beautiful. Let me speak to you thistles. You are loved. God made you just the way you are. But don't let Him leave you that way. Perhaps He wants to remove a few thorns so you can be part of His heavenly bouquet.

I'm here to tell you that thistles are valuable. "The nectar and pollen of native thistles are incredibly valuable food sources to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many insects feed on the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds, while some songbirds also feed on thistle seeds. These nectar sources help support pollinators year-round, and can help to increase yields for many valuable crops." Can you see the parallels between the thistle and our Philippian women? Euodia and Syntyche labored in the gospel, and they were mass pollinators spreading the seed of the gospel wherever they went. They made room for birds from other flocks to nest at the church in Philippi. Hmmm. Maybe I want to be just like Euodia and Syntyche when I grow up.

Sadly, something went sideways. Once standing side by side, these women were now standing against each other. They were still Christians since the apostle noted that their "names are in the Book of Life" (Philippians 4:3). They were valuable believers or Paul wouldn't have enlisted all his fellow workers to strive toward their reconciliation.

Whatever went wrong it was a matter of the mind. They had developed stinking thinking. Their once lofty thoughts had become earthly. The Bible describes it as carnal instead of spiritual. Paul offered a solution to this type of behavior to the Ephesians, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:30-32, NIV). "Get rid" implies taking out the trash of worldly thinking. Paul also shared what we can replace the garbage with: grace—the mind of Christ. Sometimes we have to weed our overgrown gardens to make room for other species to thrive.

Read the verses below and answer the following questions:

"I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 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" (Philippians 4:2-3).

Practical Observation

1. Who did Paul address in these verses first? What word did he repeat to them?

Euodia and Syntyche are Hellenistic names, as Greece held great influence over the region. Euodia meant "good journey." Syntyche meant "good luck." According to Acts 15, the church in Philippi began as a women's Bible study. Whatever happened between these women was not good and likely public, as Paul found out about it.

2. What did Paul implore them to do? Why do you think this was his request?

3. What did Paul share about Euodia and Syntyche? 

Labored in the gospel is what Paul said these two women did. It is certain they helped spread the gospel throughout the city, perhaps the region. Note that women not just men were part of forming the early church. Paul enlisted the help of everyone to help reconcile these ladies to each other.

4. Paul called out another Philippian believer by name. Who is he, and who else did Paul name? 

5. Where do the names listed above also appear?

Book of Life describes a heavenly book that holds the names of all the saints of all time. It was first mentioned by Moses: "But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written" (Exodus 32:32, NIV). God replied that it is His privilege alone to add or subtract people from this book.

Personal Application

a. How can Christians "be of the same mind"? Can you think of a Scripture to support that idea?

b. Although these women fought each other, they also fought for the gospel. How do you labor for the gospel? If you do not, write a prayer asking God to help you share your faith.

c. Paul mentioned that the names of his fellow workers in Philippi were written in the Book of Life. Make two lists: one of fellow believers who are written in the Book of Life and one of those you pray will be added to this important book.