Philippians 4:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I beseech {G3870} Euodias {G2136}, and {G2532} beseech {G3870} Syntyche {G4941}, that they be of {G5426} the same {G846} mind {G5426} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I beg Evodia and I beg Syntyche to agree with each other in union with the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

American Standard Version

I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 4:2, the Apostle Paul issues a direct and tender pastoral plea to two specific women within the Philippian church, Euodias and Syntyche. He earnestly urges them to reconcile their differences and cultivate a shared spiritual disposition, or to "be of the same mind," emphasizing that this unity must be firmly grounded in their common identity and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This exhortation highlights the critical importance of harmony and unified purpose within the Christian community for its health, witness, and effective ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Epistle to the Philippians, often characterized by its themes of joy, peace, and unity, was penned by Paul during his imprisonment. As he approaches the concluding remarks of this deeply personal letter, Paul transitions from broader theological exhortations and expressions of gratitude to specific, practical appeals. This particular verse immediately precedes a further request for a "true yokefellow" to assist these women, underscoring the significance of their disagreement and its potential impact on the church's collective witness and ministry. It is a highly personal intervention, revealing Paul's deep concern for the internal cohesion of the Philippian believers, a theme he has woven throughout the letter, particularly in his call for humility and unity in [Philippians 2](/philippians/2 "Philippians 2 - The Humility and Exaltation of Christ").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philippi was a prominent Roman colony in Macedonia, whose citizens prided themselves on their Roman identity and privileges. The church there was one of Paul's earliest converts in Europe, established during his second missionary journey (as recounted in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey and the Founding of the Philippian Church")). Women played a significant role in the Philippian church from its inception, notably Lydia, a businesswoman who opened her home to Paul, and likely Euodias and Syntyche themselves, who Paul affirms "labored with me in the gospel" in [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Fellow Laborers in the Gospel"). Their prominence meant that any disunity between them would be particularly visible and potentially detrimental to the church's reputation and internal harmony, especially in a society that valued order and public image.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Philippians and Pauline theology. First, it underscores the paramount importance of **unity in the Body of Christ**. Paul consistently champions the preservation of harmony among believers, recognizing that internal division can cripple a church's effectiveness and spiritual vitality, echoing his earlier exhortation to "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" found in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - The Unity of the Spirit"). Second, the call for them to be "of the same mind" points to the essential theme of the **"Mind of Christ."** This concept, profoundly articulated in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"), implies not intellectual uniformity, but a shared spiritual disposition characterized by humility, selflessness, and a Christ-like focus on God's will and the good of others. Finally, the verse implicitly highlights the necessity of **conflict resolution** within the Christian community, demonstrating Paul's direct and loving **pastoral concern** for both the individuals and the overall well-being of the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This word (G3870) carries the meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." It signifies a strong, earnest appeal or exhortation, rather than a harsh command. Paul's use of _parakaléō_ here reveals his deep pastoral heart and his desire to persuade and encourage reconciliation through gentle yet firm entreaty, reflecting a spirit of love and concern rather than authoritarianism.
* **mind (Greek, _phronéō'_):** Derived from _phrēn_ (G5426), referring to the mind or understanding, this verb means "to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed." It speaks to a shared disposition, attitude, purpose, and spiritual outlook, rather than merely intellectual agreement on every minor point. The emphasis is on a unity of spirit and aim, a Christ-centered perspective that transcends personal preferences or disagreements.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) denotes "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." When used in the phrase "in the Lord," it signifies that the unity Paul seeks is not based on human compromise or shared interests, but is rooted in their common allegiance to and identity in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate standard, foundation, and unifying force for their reconciliation and shared purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche,"**: Paul's direct and personal address to these two women underscores the specific nature of the conflict and his earnest desire for its resolution. The repetition of "beseech" (using the same Greek verb _parakaléō_) emphasizes the intensity and sincerity of his plea, highlighting his pastoral care and the importance he places on their reconciliation. This is not a casual suggestion but a heartfelt appeal from an apostle who deeply loves and cares for the Philippian church members.
* **"that they be of the same mind"**: This is the core of Paul's exhortation. It calls for a unity of disposition, purpose, and spiritual outlook. It does not demand identical opinions on every matter, but rather a shared mindset rooted in Christ's humility and selfless love. Their individual perspectives, while perhaps differing, are called to align under the overarching purpose and values of the gospel, fostering a harmonious spiritual attitude.
* **"in the Lord."**: This crucial qualifier provides the spiritual framework and foundation for their unity. Their reconciliation and shared mindset are not to be achieved through human effort or compromise alone, but by drawing upon their common identity, faith, and relationship with Jesus Christ. It implies that their unity is supernatural, grounded in their shared spiritual life, and motivated by their devotion to their Master, the Lord Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's plea in Philippians 4:2 effectively employs **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or a personified object. By directly naming Euodias and Syntyche, Paul personalizes his appeal, giving it a directness and urgency that would resonate with the Philippian congregation who knew these women. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "I beseech" (or "beseech" in the KJV) serves to emphasize the earnestness and weight of Paul's request. This reiteration underscores his deep pastoral concern and the critical importance of their reconciliation, ensuring that the message is not lost but rather impressed upon the hearts of both the women and the wider church community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The call for Euodias and Syntyche to be "of the same mind in the Lord" resonates deeply with the New Testament's pervasive emphasis on unity within the Body of Christ. Christian unity is not merely a practical ideal for church efficiency, but a theological imperative reflecting the very nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the new creation in Christ. It is a unity grounded in a shared spiritual disposition, a common purpose, and a mutual commitment to Christ as Lord, transcending personal differences and preferences. This unity is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel and the love that binds believers together.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 15:5-6](/romans/15-5-6 "Romans 15:5-6 - God of Patience and Consolation")
* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Exhortation for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 4:2 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that personal disagreements, even among dedicated followers of Christ, can significantly impact the harmony and witness of the entire Christian community. This verse challenges us to examine our own relationships within our families, churches, workplaces, and broader social circles, especially with fellow believers. It calls us to actively pursue peace and reconciliation, prioritizing the "mind of Christ" over our individual preferences, pride, or perceived grievances. Our unity is not based on shared interests or personalities, but on our shared identity and purpose in Christ. When we align our minds with His humble, self-sacrificing disposition, our differences become less divisive, and our capacity for love and mutual service grows. This verse encourages us to be proactive in conflict resolution, guided by love, humility, and a deep commitment to the spiritual health of the Body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (church, family, work) do I find myself in disagreement with others, particularly fellow believers?**
* **How might my attitude or perspective be contributing to disunity rather than harmony?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "be of the same mind in the Lord" with those I disagree with?**
* **What specific steps can I take to initiate or participate in reconciliation, seeking to restore relationships "in the Lord"?**

### FAQ
**Who were Euodias and Syntyche, and why were they singled out by Paul?**

Answer: Euodias and Syntyche were two prominent women in the Philippian church, likely leaders or significant figures, as [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Fellow Laborers") indicates they "labored with me in the gospel." Paul's direct address to them suggests that their disagreement was not a minor personal spat but a significant conflict that was hindering the unity and effectiveness of the entire congregation. Paul's decision to name them publicly in his letter underscores the seriousness of the issue and his deep pastoral concern for the church's spiritual health and witness. He singles them out because their disunity was a visible and detrimental problem requiring apostolic intervention.

**What does "be of the same mind in the Lord" truly mean? Does it require believers to agree on everything?**

Answer: "To be of the same mind" (Greek, _phronéō_) does not imply intellectual uniformity or agreement on every minor theological or practical issue. Instead, it refers to a shared spiritual disposition, purpose, and ultimate values. It means having the same Christ-centered attitude, prioritizing humility, love, and the glory of God above personal preferences or pride. It echoes Paul's earlier exhortation in [Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - Have This Mind Among Yourselves") to "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." The crucial qualifier "in the Lord" emphasizes that this unity is rooted in their shared faith, relationship with Jesus, and adherence to His teachings, providing the spiritual framework for reconciliation and common purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call for Euodias and Syntyche to "be of the same mind in the Lord" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the subject of their shared faith, but the very source and substance of the unity Paul implores. Christ himself is our peace, who "has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The unity of believers is a direct outworking of Christ's reconciling work on the cross, where He made "both one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). Furthermore, Jesus prayed specifically for the unity of His followers, that "they may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer for Unity")). Our ability to "be of the same mind" is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who indwells all believers and enables them to walk in step with the "mind of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - We Have the Mind of Christ")). Thus, the unity Paul seeks is not a human achievement but a divine reality, reflecting the very nature of God and serving as a compelling witness to the world of the saving power of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Corinthians 1:10

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

1 Peter 3:11

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Philippians 2:2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.