“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.”
Yes, and I ask you also, true companion, help these women, for they have labored side by side with me in the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life — Paul appeals to a 'true companion' (syzygos, literally 'yoke-fellow') to mediate the conflict. The women 'labored side by side' (synathleō, struggled together) in gospel work: their contribution is recognized. 'Book of life' (biblos zōēs) is eschatological guarantee: their names are enrolled in God's final register. Their earthly strife will be resolved in heavenly vindication.
Church Fathers on Philippians 4:3
“I exhort Euodia, and exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yea, I beseech you also, true yokefellow, help these women.” Some say Paul here exhorts his own wife; but it is not so, but some other woman, or the husband of one of them. “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.” Do you see how great a testimony he bears to their virtue? For as Christ says to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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