Lexical Summary Euodia: Euodia Original Word: Εὐοδία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Euodias. From the same as euodoo; fine travelling; Euodia, a Christian woman -- Euodias. see GREEK euodoo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as euodoó Definition perhaps "success," Euodia, a Christian at Philippi NASB Translation Euodia (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2136: ΑὐοδίαΑὐοδία ((literally, prosperous journey), εὐωδία Rst (literally, fragrant)), Ἐυοδιας, ἡ, Euodia, a Christian woman (transformed by A. V. into a man, Euodias): Philippians 4:2 (see Lightfoot at the passage). Topical Lexicon Identity within the Philippian Fellowship Euodia appears once in Scripture, in Philippians 4:2, as a prominent believer in the assembly at Philippi. Her name is recorded alongside Syntyche, indicating public recognition among the saints and suggesting a position of influence gained through faithful service from the earliest days of the congregation (compare Philippians 4:15-16; Acts 16:12-40). Paul addresses both women directly, demonstrating not only personal knowledge but also pastoral concern for their spiritual welfare and the witness of the church. Partnership in Gospel Labor Paul testifies that Euodia “contended together with me for the gospel” (Philippians 4:3). The verb “contended” evokes the athletic arena and highlights strenuous, coordinated effort. Euodia therefore belonged to the circle that included Lydia, Timothy, and Luke—early coworkers who endured hardship for the advance of the message in Macedonia. Her role shows that female believers were not confined to passive support but engaged actively in evangelism, discipleship, hospitality, and the formation of local assemblies (compare Romans 16:1-6). The Disagreement and the Call to Harmony Though useful in ministry, Euodia and Syntyche had fallen into a dispute. Paul’s approach is noteworthy: 1. He repeats the verb of entreaty (“I urge… I urge”), treating each woman with equal dignity and accountability. The episode underscores the priority of unity for a congregation devoted to missions. Discord among respected leaders threatens gospel credibility; harmony magnifies it (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:1-3). Assurance of Eternal Security Paul concludes with a powerful affirmation: “their names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). The statement silences any temptation to question Euodia’s standing because of temporary conflict. Her salvation is secure, and restoration of fellowship is pursued from that position of grace. The connection between present unity and future glory echoes Jesus’ words in Luke 10:20 and anticipates the final register in Revelation 20:12, 15. Implications for Women’s Ministry Euodia’s brief cameo furnishes several enduring principles: • Women served as strategic coworkers in apostolic mission. These observations inform contemporary discussions on the scope and significance of women’s contributions while upholding complementary order in the gathered church (1 Timothy 2:12-15; Titus 2:3-5). Lessons for Today’s Churches 1. Celebrate past fruitfulness while addressing present tensions. Remembering shared labor fosters humility and gratitude. Historical Reception Patristic writers such as John Chrysostom highlighted Euodia and Syntyche to illustrate the dangers of pride among leaders. Later commentators (e.g., Matthew Henry, Charles Spurgeon) appealed to their account when urging churches to prioritize concord over personal preference. Traditional lists of the Seventy sometimes include Euodia, reflecting early respect for her ministry, though such identifications remain speculative. Summary Euodia exemplifies a godly servant whose record encourages vigorous gospel partnership, sober self-examination, and steadfast pursuit of unity. Her single appearance testifies that even brief biblical mentions can instruct, admonish, and inspire the church across generations. Forms and Transliterations εύοδα ευοδία Ευοδιαν Εὐοδίαν εύοδοι εύοδος Euodian EuodíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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