Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

And {G2532} I intreat {G2065} thee {G4571} also {G2532}, true {G1103} yokefellow {G4805}, help {G4815} those women {G846} which {G3748} laboured {G4866} with me {G3427} in {G1722} the gospel {G2098}, with {G3326} Clement {G2815} also {G2532}, and {G2532} with other {G3062} my {G3450} fellowlabourers {G4904}, whose {G3739} names {G3686} are in {G1722} the book {G976} of life {G2222}.

I also request you, loyal Syzygus, to help these women; for they have worked hard proclaiming the Good News with me, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers whose names are in the Book of Life.

Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Commentary

Commentary on Philippians 4:3

Philippians 4:3 provides a glimpse into the Apostle Paul's heart for his ministry partners and the importance of support within the early Christian community. It underscores the value of every individual's contribution to the spread of the gospel and offers a profound affirmation of their eternal standing.

Context

This verse follows directly on Paul's specific exhortation to Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Paul, writing from prison, is concerned with the unity and effective witness of the Philippian church. Addressing an unnamed "true yokefellow" (likely a prominent leader in the Philippian church, perhaps Epaphroditus or another trusted associate), Paul urges this individual to assist these women, Clement, and other unnamed "fellowlabourers" who had significantly contributed to his gospel work.

Key Themes

  • Partnership in the Gospel: The verse highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. Paul did not work alone but relied on a network of committed individuals. The term "fellowlabourers" (Greek: synergoi) emphasizes shared effort and dedication to the same mission.
  • The Role of Women in Ministry: Paul explicitly mentions "those women which laboured with me in the gospel." This is a powerful affirmation of the significant and active role women played in supporting and advancing the early church's mission, not just in passive roles but as active participants in spreading the Good News.
  • The Book of Life and Assurance: The concluding phrase, "whose names are in the book of life," is a profound declaration of their eternal security and membership in God's family. This "Book of Life" signifies God's divine register of those who belong to Him, providing immense comfort and assurance of salvation to these faithful workers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "true yokefellow" translates the Greek word syzygos (ฯƒฯฮถฯ…ฮณฮฟฯ‚). This term literally means "yoked together," implying a close, intimate partnership in shared labor or purpose. It suggests a deep bond of trust and shared commitment, making the appeal for help even more personal and weighty. The specific identity of this "yokefellow" remains a subject of scholarly discussion, but their role as a trusted confidant and leader is clear.

Practical Application

Philippians 4:3 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Support for Ministry: We are called to support those who labor in the gospel, whether through prayer, practical help, or reconciliation. Maintaining unity and mutual assistance is vital for effective ministry.
  • Valuing All Contributions: The church thrives when every member's contribution is recognized and valued, regardless of gender or traditional roles. Paul's commendation of these women reminds us to appreciate and empower all who faithfully serve.
  • Assurance in Service: Knowing that our names are "in the book of life" provides immense encouragement and motivation to persevere in service, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and our eternal reward is secure.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 13:8 (10 votes)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

  • Revelation 3:5 (9 votes)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

  • Luke 10:20 (8 votes)

    Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

  • Philippians 1:27 (7 votes)

    ยถ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

  • Revelation 21:27 (6 votes)

    And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

  • Acts 16:14 (5 votes)

    And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

  • Acts 16:18 (5 votes)

    And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.