Philippians 4:3
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Paul doesn't just list his co-workers; he highlights that the women mentioned, Euodia and Syntyche, were "fellow-soldiers" who "strove" or "wrestled" alongside him. This powerful word choice emphasizes that their work wasn't just helpful support, but a shared struggle involving hardship and opposition for the gospel's sake.
Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a specific person in the church at Philippi, calling them a "true yokefellow," to help mediate a disagreement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. He highlights their past dedication to the gospel alongside him, mentioning Clement and other co-workers, as a way to encourage reconciliation and continued service. The reference to their names being in the "book of life" underscores the eternal significance of their earthly labor and relationship with God.
Paul addresses a trusted friend with a sensitive assignment. Who is this 'true yokefellow,' and what makes them the right person for this job?
Paul calls his friend a "true yokefellow" (γνήσιε σύζυγε). While the exact identity is debated – perhaps Silas, Epaphroditus, or even a man named Syzygus – the key is their shared labor and genuine commitment. Paul entrusts this person with helping two women, Euodia and Syntyche, who had "labored side by side" with him. This implies a close working relationship and a shared ministry. The word 'help' (συλλαμβάνου) suggests joining with them, supporting them, and perhaps mediating a disagreement, rather than simply commanding them. It’s a call for partnership in restoring harmony and continuing the work.
These women weren't just passive supporters; they 'labored side by side' with Paul. What does that look like in the early church?
Paul specifically calls out Euodia and Syntyche for their significant contribution: they "labored side by side with me in the gospel." This wasn't a secondary role; they were active participants and fellow-strugglers (συνήθλησαν). While the exact nature of their labor isn't detailed, it's clear it was vital and involved hardship and dedication, comparable to athletes competing. It's important to remember that Paul didn't exclude women from gospel work; he valued their contributions immensely, even if their roles differed from public preaching. Their efforts likely included evangelism, teaching within female communities, hospitality, and supporting the ministry in practical ways.
Ask a follow-up
Paul mentions Clement and other fellow-workers, noting their names are 'in the book of life.' What's the significance of this divine registry?
Paul rounds out his mention of these valuable co-laborers by stating their "names are in the book of life." This isn't just a nice thought; it's a profound theological statement. The "book of life" is a divine register of those chosen for eternal life. It signifies God's sovereign election and His intimate knowledge of His people. For Paul to mention this implies that these individuals – Euodia, Syntyche, Clement, and the others – were not just recognized for their earthly service but were also known and destined for eternal life by God Himself.
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
Refers to the joyful, good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, encompassing His life, death, resurrection, and the kingdom of God; it is the message believers are called to proclaim and live out.
biblos zōēs · Greek Noun phrase
A metaphorical term appearing in Scripture (Old and New Testaments) representing the register of those who belong to God, have received eternal life, and are citizens of the heavenly kingdom.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, accompanied by Silas, embarks on his second major missionary journey, which includes a significant stop in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia.
c. AD 50
Founding of the Philippian Church
During Paul's visit, he establishes the church in Philippi, a significant event marked by the conversion of Lydia and the jailer. This is the initial planting of the church to which Paul later writes.
c. AD 54-55
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
While imprisoned, likely in Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church, reflecting on his celibacy and ministry, which provides context for discussions about his marital status and Paul's own ministry experiences.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes several epistles, including Philippians, to churches he cares about, offering encouragement and pastoral guidance.
c. AD 62
Epaphroditus Delivers Paul's Letter
Epaphroditus, a representative from the Philippian church, brings their support to Paul in Rome and is tasked with carrying Paul's letter back to Philippi.
This passage also uses the metaphor of a 'book' for God's people, specifically in the context of a wedding feast, highlighting that inclusion in God's kingdom is by divine invitation and enrollment.
Luke 10:20Jesus tells his disciples that their names are written in heaven, directly paralleling the idea of names being inscribed in a heavenly record, signifying their redeemed status and connection to God's kingdom.
Acts 16:14-15This passage shows women, like Lydia, playing a key role in the early spread of the gospel in Philippi, mirroring the description of women laboring alongside Paul.
Romans 16:3-4Paul commends Priscilla and Aquila, who 'risked their necks' for him and worked alongside him in the gospel, similar to the women mentioned in Philippians who 'labored with me in the gospel'.
Revelation 20:12This future-oriented passage describes the final judgment where books are opened, including the 'book of life,' reinforcing the ultimate significance of having one's name recorded by God for eternal standing.
barnesPhilippians 4:3: "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."
And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow - It is not known to whom the apostle refers here. No name is mentioned, and conjecture is useless. All that is known is, that it was someone whom Paul regarded as associated with himself in labor, and one who was so prominent at Philippi that it wou…
gillPhilippians 4:3: "And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."
And I entreat thee also, true yoke fellow,.... Not his wife, as some think (d), for he had none, as appears from 1 Corinthians 7:7 , at the writing of which epistle he was at Ephesus, where he stayed some little time, and then went to Jerusalem; where he was quickly apprehended, and sent a p…
Paul doesn't just list his co-workers; he highlights that the women mentioned, Euodia and Syntyche, were "fellow-soldiers" who "strove" or "wrestled" alongside him. This powerful word choice emphasizes that their work wasn't just helpful support, but a shared struggle involving hardship and opposition for the gospel's sake.
Paul is addressing a specific person in the church at Philippi, calling them a "true yokefellow," to help mediate a disagreement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. He highlights their past dedication to the gospel alongside him, mentioning Clement and other co-workers, as a way to encourage reconciliation and continued service. The reference to their names being in the "book of life" underscores the eternal significance of their earthly labor and relationship with God.
Paul is addressing a specific person in the church at Philippi, calling them a "true yokefellow," to help mediate a disagreement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. He highlights their past dedication to the gospel alongside him, mentioning Clement and other co-workers, as a way to encourage reconciliation and continued service. The reference to their names being in the "book of life" underscores the eternal significance of their earthly labor and relationship with God.
"Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." — Paul doesn't just list his co-workers; he highlights that the women mentioned, Euodia and Syntyche, were "fellow-soldiers" who "strove" or "wrestled" alongside him. This powerful word choice emphasiz…
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Last reviewed October 2026
