September 23

"I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:2-4.

THE apostle much valued and commended the Philippian converts. He here calls them his "brethren," his "dearly beloved" and "longed for," his "joy and crown." Many people distress and disgrace their ministers, but these yielded Paul both comfort and honor. He does not, however, deem them above the need of exhortation. Yet, though he might have been bold to enjoin what was convenient, for love's sake he beseeches and entreats. The subject is threefold.

First, unanimity and concord. This regards a particular instance of disagreement in the church. "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." Here were two women, obviously of some note, who were at variance. We are not informed whether the ground of difference was civil or religious. Perhaps it was owing to a talebearer, for a talebearer separateeth true friends. Perhaps it was a mere trifle in the outset. In our mistakes, prejudices, passions, and infirmities, the enemy of souls always finds materials for exciting dislike and contention. Perhaps they were both to blame. This is commonly the case, and therefore the Scripture says, forgiving one another. The feelings of females are quick, and their imaginations too often give importance to a real or supposed offence. And two such individuals at variance may draw in others, form parties, and embroil a whole church. When this is the case, their own edification is at an end; and from others is driven that union of soul which is necessary to give efficacy to social prayer, when we meet together in one place with one accord, waiting for the promise of the Father. The apostle therefore would not that Euodias and Syntyche should oppose or keep shy of each other, but, terminating their difference, keep the peace and live in love. The Saviour is the Lamb of God, and if we have the mind that was in him, we shall display "the meekness and gentleness of Jesus Christ." The Holy Ghost descended upon the head, and enters his followers, as a dove; and

"The Spirit, like a peaceful dove, Flies from the realms of noise and strife: Why should we vex and grieve his love, Who seals our souls to heavenly life?"

We read in ecclesiastical history of two Christians who had quarrelled in the morning, but in the evening one of them sent a note to the other: "Brother, the sun is going down." He referred to the apostle's words, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath;" and the hint produced reconciliation. When President Edwards had preached one of his first sermons, after the remarkable outpouring of the Spirit upon his labors, he observed two families, when the congregation had withdrawn, remaining in the church as if by joint consent. Upon approaching them, he found they had to that day been in a state of variance; but owing to the influence they were now under, they could not depart from the house of God till they were reconciled.

Secondly, mutual assistance. "I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life." Some have imagined that those women here alluded to were Enodias and Syntyche. If it were so, we should learn that persons who have been betrayed into improper temper and conduct in a partial instance, may yet have been worthy and useful characters; and they are not to be rejected, but restored in the spirit of meekness. But whoever these females were, they had cooperated with Paul and his associates in the ministry—not in public preaching, for this our apostle had expressly forbidden, but in various offices suited to their sex and condition; by their devotion and example and conversation; by their privately instructing the ignorant; by their bringing up children, washing the saints' feet, attending benevolent institutions, ministering to the wants of the apostles. All who wish to be useful may be employed without violating any of the decorums of life, or quitting their proper stations.

On their behalf, Paul addresses his "true yoke-fellow." It is absurd to suppose this means, as some have thought, Paul's wife. For it seems more than probable that he never was married, and the gender of the adjective here used is masculine. Was it the jailer? He had been one of the apostle's first converts at Philippi, and had much assisted him in the gospel. Or was it Epaphroditus? But he was not at this time at Philippi. Perhaps it was some one of the bishops or deacons mentioned in the beginning of the epistle, with whom Paul had been peculiarly connected in travelling and preaching. Whoever he was, he was to help those females who had been so serviceable to Paul and Clement and their comrades, by his prayers and consolations, and every kind of attention their personal or relative, temporal or spiritual circumstances would require. How honorable was it to be thus distinguished and recommended by the apostle! Who was ever a loser by any thing he did for the cause of the Redeemer? He that watereth shall be watered also. God is not unrighteous to forget their work and labor of love. Wheresoever the gospel is preached, that which these women did shall be told for a memorial of them.

Thirdly, constant joy. "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Rejoicing is a pleasing exercise, but it is not always an easy one. In a vale of tears; in an enemy's country; without, fightings; within, fears; pressed down with a sense of unworthiness; burdened with infirmities, wearied with a body of sin and death—what wonder if we often hang our harp on the willows, or at least, that we cannot always sing the Lord's song? Yet we are enjoined to rejoice "always." But how; in what; in whom? In the world; in creatures; in ourselves? Then would it indeed be impracticable. No; but "in the Lord." And in him there is enough at all times and in every condition to encourage and delight us. We are empty, but in him all fulness dwells. In him is all the wisdom, pardon, righteousness, strength, and hope we need. His grace is sufficient for us. He is an INFINITE RESOURCE.

Therefore, says the apostle, I have not spoken thoughtlessly; I know what I have said, and why I have said it; I know that the thing is possible. And I know, also, that it is proper. Nothing becomes a Christian more than joy, and by nothing can he be more useful. I therefore repeat it, AND AGAIN I SAY, REJOICE.