Stand firm, and help Euodia and Syntyche agree (Philippians 4:1–3)

Says "Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved" (4:1, BSB). "I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord" (4:2, BSB). Paul asks his "true yokefellow" to help "these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life" (4:3, BSB).

Implies "that is how" (οὕτως, houtōs) points back to the citizenship and Savior of 3:20–21. "Book of Life" names the register of those who belong to God and share in eschatological life. OT background for the book of life is allusion support only; form comparison cannot show which passage Paul had in mind. See the Hebrew note. See the Greek note.

Uncertain στέφανος (stephanos, "crown") may be eschatological reward, present joy in them, or both. "My joy and crown" supports a present sense; reward imagery supports a future sense. This note leans toward both. Who the γνήσιε σύζυγε (gnēsie syzyge) is—a proper name Syzygus, a title for an unnamed coworker, or a less common metaphorical address—is open. No lean is taken on that question. Clement's identity beyond the name is likewise open, and equating him with the author of 1 Clement is not shown by this verse. No lean is taken there. Editorial decision: print γνήσιε σύζυγε (see var.Phil.4.3.gnesie-syzyge). See the Greek note.