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The former verse was an exhortation to constancy; this to concord.
Here observe, 1. The persons exhorted to the duty; two women of eminent note in the church, Euodias and Syntyche, who laboured with him in the gospel, that is, in offices proper to their sex, not in public preaching, but in private teaching of youth, and instructing other women in the principles of religion. Between these two good women it seems there was some difference, a want of love and unanimity; it is but too frequent for persons truly pious, and painful in the work of the Lord, to be at odds among themselves: and such are the fatal consequences of such differences, though between two persons only, that they are looked upon as worthy to be taken notice of by a great apostle.
Observe, 2. The great care and pains which St. Paul takes, timely to compose this petty difference between these two persons: he writes to an emiment minister in the church at Philippi, whom he calls his true yoke-fellow, (because they had faithfully laboured togither in planting a Christian church in that city,) to exert his utmost endeavours in reconciling these two disagreeing parties.
Such as are sensible of the dangerous mischiefs of strife and contention, of discord and division, will account it their duty to look to breaches betimes, to quench such fires at their first kindling, and will call in all the help they can, by engaging the prayers and tears of God's ministers, and the endeavours of all faithful Christians, in order thereunto: and all this care, God knows, is little enough.
Observe, 3. The charitable thoughts and good opinion which St. Paul had of his fellow-labours at Philippi: he believed their names were in the book of life; that is, he adjudged them truly gracious persons, and in a state of salvation: though none can pass a certain and infallible judgment upon others, yet such as are holy in conversation themselves, and contrite in their utmost endeavours to promote holiness in others, nay, in the judgment of charity, be pronounced persons whose names are in the book of life.