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
tell us Jim Price Ray E Horton will you RSVP?
Ray E Horton
I hadn’t heard the term RSVP church before. I like the transition process that our church is starting. We have been doing drive-in church in the parking lot with pastor preaching outside in front of the church doors of the parking lot. Rather than a loud sound system that might disturb neighbors, we us a radio frequency to tune in and hear him as we watch him from our cars. Starting next week, this will continue, but the message will be broadcast inside on the big screen for those who want to be in the sanctuary with social distancing. That way, our church of 200+ can fit up to 100 inside with appropriate distancing while those still uncomfortable with potential risks of meeting together, can continue with the parking lot drive-in version.
Varnel Watson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NAkJK7XBQM&feature=emb_title
Ray E Horton
Our church already has its reopening process which we believe will be effective.
Varnel Watson
Software for our church that gives the ability to control, measure, and communicate the capacity of our worship gatherings. We developed it in a way that can even accommodate for “overflow.” This tool takes an attendee through an RSVP process, which really alleviates the stigma that can come with a “ticketing” approach in hopes that we would not have to turn people away. This will serve the church well through this pandemic.
Varnel Watson
I didnt see this one coming either Joe Absher Peter Vandever I keep my notes from 40 some yrs ago I also have some notes Neil Steven Lawrence never took if I can dig them up 🙂
Joe Absher
that’s nice
Varnel Watson
did you already RSVP? Joe Absher Jared Cheshire
Joe Absher
I tried to get in but they turned me away . I should have taken a picture they were giving out rolls of toilet paper on a drive through . charismatic I guess
Varnel Watson
you’ve been known to get this Joe Absher
Joe Absher
James 1:2 NKJV — My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
Joe Absher
As per a church RSVP . seeking only God’s healing grace, help and safety for the church of the first born and the redeemed . God knows .
https://youtu.be/MZ1p78YTX-k
Varnel Watson
The US Senate has voted to give law enforcement agencies access to web browsing data without a warrant, dramatically expanding the government’s surveillance powers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joe Absher
Could be it’s all in the data usage agreements (in the fine print that nobody reads).
What would a libertarian party do differently ? Is it a real option ? Is Doctor and Senator Rand Paul a libertarian ?
Varnel Watson
https://in.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-trump/trump-mobilizing-u-s-military-to-deliver-coronavirus-vaccine-idINKBN22Q1Q2?fbclid=IwAR0d5vJIbhaFP_Y6ylSaNjYskCfO4TBhFD-lXt1bQVEEjNSAsH6c2i6nwis