Euodia, Syntyche, and a True Companion

Euodia, Syntyche, and a True Companion

Euodia and Syntyche were the apostle Paul’s fellow workers. They had labored with him in the gospel. Since Paul was far from taking just anyone as his fellow workers, we can be certain these two were excellent, God-fearing, and wholehearted souls. They had not just been fellow workers in a leisurely way but had labored together with him (and Paul did not just call anything “laboring” either!).

And yet these dear fellow workers of his had had a falling out with each other, and to such a terrible degree that they were not just of a different opinion (which is still relatively innocent), but they were even of a different mind. They had been deceived by Satan so that their different opinions—about how to approach a matter, or whatever it may have been—had influenced their minds. In other words, they had not kept their spiritual balance.

As is most often the case, it wasn’t just one of them who had crossed the line or for whom it was difficult. He implored both of them to be of the same mind. It is imperfect to have various opinions about one and the same thing, but it is sin to bear a grudge against each other because of differing opinions. There is no need for the latter to arise, even if the first is always present. Nevertheless, it is incredibly easy for it to occur. When it does arise, the person has fallen in sin; he has committed a transgression of the law, a transgression of the laws and commandments of the Spirit that are written in heart and mind.

Then the person has transgressed the law of love, the very law that is the bond of perfection; he has transgressed the laws of longsuffering, forbearance, humility, and wisdom. Then he has not observed the commands, “Live in peace!” and “Be of one mind!” This is how easy it is, even for God’s fellow workers, to become sinners, which they absolutely should not be. On the contrary, they should instruct others by way of example and word to keep these laws instead of breaking them. People usually slide into these transgressions of the law without noticing it. This is the very reason it is so difficult for them to acknowledge this particular sin in their lives.

How good it is when there is a true companion, someone who both can and will help Euodia and Syntyche! Then it is crucial for Euodia and Syntyche to accept the help and not be obstinate, hardening their hearts, so that the vessel breaks. It is useless to feel, think, or speculate at all. You must stand face to face with the commandments of the Lord and Savior (2 Pet. 3:2) and acknowledge your transgression of the law—your sin—and turn away from it.

Euodia and Syntyche were both involved in the matter, and we can say that they were therefore unable to come to the right conclusion in the matter. That is why they were unqualified, and had all the more reason to listen to a true companion. A wise person is easily entreated, and with the humble is wisdom. In other words, it is a test of their humility.

Oh, that every Euodia and every Syntyche would pass this test.!