Philippians 4:3
And
I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in
the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names
are in the book of life.
1.
“…help those women which labored with me in the gospel…”
a. labored [4866 * sunathleo] [Zodhiates: To
contend with someone, to be on his side; only figuratively, to exert oneself
with, to strive with or together, help, aid.
b. I am reminded of a verse in 1 Timothy that
speaks of laboring.
1). 1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule
well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word
and doctrine.”
c.
Laboring in the gospel speaks of “preaching” the gospel.
d. ICR 9/5/11 Although the word
"yokefellow" is out of use today, the meaning is easily understood.
Most of us know a yoke is a device that connects two animals together to
increase the power for the work that needs to be done.
Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew
11:29-30). From a spiritual perspective, we labor together with the Lord
Jesus. Among ourselves, we labor in the gospel. It is worth noting that God
sees the marriage bond as "joined together" (same term) with a yoke (Matthew 19:6).
Interestingly, as Paul speaks highly of
the women who "labored" with him, he uses two very different concepts
to recognize their contribution. First, he describes them as sunathleo,
or those who are "engaged in the contest" with him, like "a man
also |strives| for masteries" (2 Timothy 2:5).
Then Paul uses sunergos to describe those who have accomplished meaningful
work alongside him. Titus is described as Paul's "partner and
fellowhelper" (2 Corinthians 8:23). These women had evidentially earned
Paul's respect for their commitment to the kingdom work.
Although the picture drawn by these synonymns
rests on the work aspect, surely there is the assumption that those who are
yoked together are anticipating a common goal. Jesus, with "the joy that
was set before him endured the |work of the| cross" (Hebrews 12:2).
And we labor in the kingdom since our "names are in the book of
life." HMM III
e. I personally believe he is referring to
women who preached the gospel alongside him
2.
“…and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book or life.”
a. fellowlabourers [4904 * sunergon;
sun-togethere with; ergon-work;] [Zodhiates: Fellow laborer, helper.]
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