Thoughts for Life: #12 Paul's Prayer Partners: Euodia and Syntyche

C. Peter Wagner shares with us his thoughts from his book, PRAYER SHIELD:

"Few commentators have recognized the high probability that Euodia and Syntyche of the church at Philippi were two of Paul's personal prayer partners see Phil. 4: 2, 3.

Many commentators stress that the women were not getting along well and 'possibly they assisted him with material help as Lydia had done some years before.'

The inference is that, like good women, they perhaps cooked Paul's meals and sewed patches on his garments.

A few commentators do see Euodia and Syntyche playing a much more crucial role in Paul's ministry.

F. F. Bruce, for example, points out that the verb for "labored side by side with me in the gospel" is a very strong verb. He says, 'Whatever form these two women's collaboration with Paul in his gospel ministry may have taken, it was not confined to making tea for him and his circle—or whatever the first-century counterpart to that activity was.'

The verb to which F. F. Bruce refers (synathleo) really means that they 'contended' or 'strived' or 'fought at my side.'

Edmond Heibert says it ' implies united action in the face of opposition and strife' so the metaphor 'pictures these women as having served as Paul's fellow soldiers in the battle to establish the gospel in Philiippi.'

This brings us closer to the concept of spiritual warfare.

F. W. Beare goes on to argue that these two courageous women were 'pitted along with Paul "against principalities and powers...against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" of Eph. 6:12, who employ the human opponents of the gospel as their tools.'

I quote these recognized biblical scholars not to pretend I am writing an academic monograph, but only to lend some professional credibility to the understanding I have developed of Euodia and Syntyche.

I suggest a substantial possibility that Paul is implying these two women did spiritual warfare on my behalf.'

If so, they would fit snugly int the profile of personal intercessors or prayer partners I am developing in this book.

If nothing else, it helps me suppose that the apostle Paul would understand and approve of what I am trying to say."

Today’s post -#1 The Power of Personal Prayer Partners, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 36, 37) By Regal Books

The next post is to be 7/30, The Vital Few, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.

Let’s pray: Father, it is our desire to become more effective in our praying. We ask that you help us surrender to Your leading in praying for those in leadership. They're human, and they need Your help daily, hourly, and moment by moment, just like we do. We pray this in the wonderful Name of Jesus', the One Who made a way to Your throne of grace. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ez, 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land."

Today’s quote: Cindy Sproles – “When Paul shared about his thorn of the flesh, he wanted us to see our successes weren't where God’s power would shine brightest, rather through our weaknesses. He said this gift of grace was sufficient. It’s all we really need.

When hardships, decisions, and frustrations attack, God’s power becomes evident to those around us. We rest in the promise of His care because He’s got our backs. God’s might is lived out through these rough patches. From hard to difficult, to resolved, to peace -- His power shines.”

Our thought today: God does not keep score of your good and bad actions. It's no more a game of does and don'ts. Christ finished the provision of your salvation on the Cross. Let Him take care of your sins. He proved for your sins way back there!

A popular post: Light Overcomes Darkness: Prayer Note #83 The Light of Jesus overcomes the darkness of Satan.