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Counsels and Thanksgiving

Christian Concord.[a] I exhort both Euodia and Syntyche to come to a mutual understanding in the Lord. I also ask you, my loyal companion Syzygus, to help these women, for they have struggled alongside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice without Ceasing.[b] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: Rejoice!

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:2 Lines of communication are established in all the new communities, and women play an important role in their life and apostolate. Doubtless, members at times experience the difficulty of living and working together, as is the case between Euodia and Syntyche. Paul is confident that these two good women will be reconciled to one another. Clement: it is possible, but not certain, that this is Clement, the first Roman Pope. Book of life: an image current at the time to evoke the collectivity of the saved (see Ex 32:32; Ps 69:29; Isa 4:3; Dan 12:1; Rev 3:5).
  2. Philippians 4:4 Joy is the great secret of Christians, the sign that faith has triumphed over all fears, the normal fruit of a spiritual life that progresses. The peace of God is more profound than any kind of peace that the human spirit can attain solely by its own effort.