Charles Spurgeon Commentary Philippians 4:2

"I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord." — Philippians 4:2 (ASV)

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2).

Only two women, and we do not know who they were; yet Paul gives them a "beseech" each: "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." If there are only two of the most obscure sisters in the church who are quarrelling, their differences ought to be brought to an end at once.

There should be no disagreements among Christians; love should reign, peace should predominate. If there is anything contrary to such a state as that, God grant that it may soon be brought to an end!

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

These two women had fallen out with one another. They evidently differed on some question or other, so that they were not of the same mind in the Lord. Paul thought it so important that there should be perfect unity and love in the church at Philippi, as well as everywhere else, that he besought these two women (of whom we know nothing else) that they would be of the same mind in the Lord. Notice that he beseeches each of them in exactly the same way: I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche. He has a "beseech" for each of them.

Perhaps, if he had written, I beseech Euodias and Syntyche, the latter lady might have imagined that he was not quite so earnest about her as he was about Euodias, so he puts it: I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Have any of you fallen out, my dear friends? I do not know of any of you who have done so, but if you have, I say to all of you, men or women, I beseech you, that you be of the same mind in the Lord. There is nothing like perfect unity in a Christian church; if there is even a little division, it will grow to something much worse eventually, so I beseech you, be of the same mind in the Lord.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Only two women who had fallen out with one another; but the apostle is so anxious for perfect unity that he puts in a "beseech" for each of them. He does not say which was right and which was wrong; but he would have them of the same mind in the Lord.

Little differences, even between obscure members of the church, may hinder the work of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is like a dove, and doves love quiet places; they do not come where there is noise and strife.

Oh, let us cultivate love towards one another! If at any time we have disagreed about anything, let us imagine that we hear Paul saying tonight, I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Make it up, my sisters, make it up, my brothers, whatever the quarrel is, end it, and be of the same mind in the Lord. Bought with the same precious blood, robed in the same perfect righteousness, on the way to the same heaven, be of the same mind in the Lord.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

These two good women had fallen out with one another. Paul loves them so much that he would not have any strife in the church to mar its harmony; and he therefore beseeches both of these good women to end their quarrel and to be of the same mind in the Lord.

You cannot tell what hurt may come to a church through two members being at enmity against each other. They may be unknown persons, they may be Christian women, but they can work no end of mischief; and therefore it is a most desirable thing that they should speedily come together again in peace and unity.