What does Philippians 4:2 mean?

Paul begins this passage with two particular women within the church, who apparently had some kind of disagreement: Euodia and Syntyche. Paul rarely named names when referring to disagreements in the churches. To mention these two women so specifically may have indicated they were well known in the congregation. It might also mean that their dispute was very public, particularly bitter, or even both.

However, their dispute did not mean these women were ungodly. In verse 3, we find they had worked together with Paul, Clement, and other godly leaders. Paul also said their names were in the "book of life," noting his confidence that they were believers. Even Christians sometimes have disputes which need to be addressed. Paul himself experienced a dispute with Barnabas which led to them splitting into two separate missionary teams (Acts 15:36–41). Paul knew of this quarrel in Philippi and the need for these two women to come together to work out their differences. An unnamed church leader will later be asked to help them in this process.