THE STUMBLING BLOCK BETWEEN EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE

Shalom and welcome! Today, we reflect on a passage of Scripture that not only highlights the faithfulness of two women in ministry but also exposes a challenge that still faces many believers today—disunity in the body of Christ.

As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Let God’s Word illuminate this lesson for us.

1. Who Were Euodia and Syntyche?

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul singles out two women: Euodia and Syntyche. They were not ordinary church members. Paul describes them as women who “contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” (Philippians 4:3).

Their zeal and service were significant. This implies:

They were co-laborers in evangelism and church ministry (Romans 16:3).
They served with faithfulness and humility, likely participating in hospitality, giving, teaching, and prayer.

They are similar to other women in the New Testament who were instrumental in gospel ministry. For example:

Priscilla, who taught Apollos alongside her husband Aquila (Acts 18:26).
Phoebe, a deacon and benefactor in the church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1–2).

These women demonstrate the biblical principle that God calls and uses women in vital roles of service and leadership in the church, not contrary to male leadership, but complementing it (Galatians 3:28).

2. Their Conflict: A Call to Unity

Despite their commitment, Paul exhorts them:

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
(Philippians 4:2, NIV)

Paul repeats the phrase “I plead,” showing the seriousness of the matter. Their disagreement, though not doctrinal (since Paul doesn’t rebuke them for heresy), was evidently harming the unity of the church.

The phrase “same mind in the Lord” echoes Paul’s earlier exhortation in Philippians 2:2:

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Disunity—even among the faithful—can become a foothold for Satan (Ephesians 4:26–27).
It can hinder prayer, disrupt ministry, and damage the church’s witness to the world (John 17:21).

This teaches us that unity is not optional; it is a command for those in Christ. Even the most zealous believers must guard their hearts against pride, comparison, and offense.

3. Women and the Power of Unity

Paul’s letter also affirms the important role of women in gospel work. He asks a “true companion” (possibly Epaphroditus or another church leader) to assist Euodia and Syntyche in reconciliation (Philippians 4:3). Why?

Because the enemy fears united women in the church.

Psalm 68:11 (KJV) declares:

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.”
The Hebrew here refers to a great company of women proclaiming the good news.

Satan knows:

Women are often more active in prayer (Luke 18:1–8).
Women are often quick to believe and support God’s work (Luke 8:2–3).
Women have a natural gift of influence, both in the family and the church (2 Timothy 1:5).

Therefore, the devil’s strategy is to sow division, jealousy, and gossip among women to neutralize their impact.

4. A Call for Humility and Cooperation

Every Christian woman must heed this call: Reject the spirit of competition and embrace unity.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
(Philippians 2:3)

Look at the example of the women who supported Jesus’ ministry:

Luke 8:1–3
“…and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

Joanna was a woman of influence and wealth.
Mary Magdalene had a dark past, but was transformed.
Despite their different backgrounds, they served together in unity.

Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, humbly walked alongside other women in ministry. None claimed superiority; all were focused on Christ.

5. Final Encouragement

If you identify with Euodia or Syntyche—whether as someone zealous but struggling with unity—choose humility today. Recognize Satan’s schemes and resist them.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7)

Your zeal is precious to God, but unity with your sisters in Christ is the key to multiplying your impact. Together, women can become a mighty army for the kingdom of God.

Closing Prayer

Lord, help us to walk in unity. Give us humble hearts, ready to serve, forgive, and cooperate for the glory of Your name. May the church be strengthened as we, Your daughters, stand together in one spirit and one purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the Lord bless you.