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Practical application of Pentecostal theology in politics, economy and social issues
Who is the "True Companion" in Philippians 4:3?
The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians is written in the second person plural, except for the following verse.
Philippians 4:3 (NASB)
3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
This verse appears to be parenthetical, because here we find the Greek word, σύ, which is the second person singular; that is, in the following verse he reverts to the second person plural of address for the remainder of the epistle.
To whom then was Paul referring as the “True Companion” in this verse, if we understand that the epistle was supposed to be addressed to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” in general (Phil 1:1)?
Was this perhaps some literary device to address each individual in the Philippian Church to take responsibility in helping Euodia and Syntyche to live in harmony?
In other words, was Paul aware of the “Bystander Effect“ (or Genovese Syndrome) in the First Century? The thesis avers that larger numbers of people decrease the likelihood that any one person in particular will step forward to help those in distress; responsibility to help thus remains diffused among the large number of people. That is, the individual must be addressed in order to prompt the response to assist those needing help.
In this context was the “True Companion” therefore each and every believer in Philippi (thus Paul’s attempt to mitigate the “Bystander Effect”), or was perhaps the “True Companion” actually some particular individual person in Philippi? Thoughts?
Varnel Watson
one can ask if wondering Joe Absher
Joe Absher
Its important
Link Hudson
If I were on one of these mega-fasts, 21 day, 40 day, etc., I wouldn’t tell anyone unless I had a need to out of concern that my attitude would be such that I would have my reward in full from men. Honestly, I think I’d much rather eat a meal than get acclaim from men for fasting.
But I see that there is some ‘group fasting’ in the Old Testament, and some Indonesian churches engage in group fasting. Acts 13 tells of prophets and teachers who were ministering to the Lord and fasting, so they may have done it together. But we don’t know if they all agreed to fast by the same rules or whatever. There is a fasting culture there, with Muslims using a bit of social pressure on each other to fast. Fasting follows Islamic patterns of fasting, which also show up in the Old Testament– sun up to sun set. But there are also those who fast one meal.
Varnel Watson
I guess we’ll never know
Gary Micheal Epping
I like to fast between meals.
Varnel Watson
many Christians dont take fasting seriously
Link Hudson
There are those who will fast one or two meals every day God a month.
Varnel Watson
fixing for another 30? Joe Absher
Joe Absher
Could sure use it. I didn’t make it today. Someone donated free steak Taco’s at the outreach. I just ate the steak and bought a coke
Varnel Watson
living it large again 🙂
ngentot china
First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question that
I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious
to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Cheers!