Smalls says, “Y’all are my brothers! We’re family! You are my joy and my crown! I love y’all and I long to see y’all and to hang-out for days on end! I love how you’re standing firm in the Lord. You are my beloved friends!”

Then Smalls says, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”

Holy smokes! …How did Euodia and Syntyche feel about this? How did they feel about being named / called-out like this? Embarrassed? Abused? Mistreated? Angry? Upset? Offended? Hmmmmm…

Then Smalls says (to some unnamed person), “I ask you, true companion help Euodia and Syntyche!”

Again, this is a PUBLIC letter – so Smalls is blatantly calling attention to the fact that Euodia and Syntyche aren’t getting along (which Smalls implies is a sign of THEIR IMMATURITY), and they REQUIRE the assistance of this unnamed true companion, and (since this is a public letter) perhaps the entire community must hassle Euodia and Syntyche about getting along with one another!

Then – as if to complete dodge all the accusations of being insensitive and unsympathetic to Euodia and Syntyche – Smalls says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

I kinda feel like Phil Robertson is writing this letter. …he’s not taking Euodia and Syntyche’s disagreement seriously, and now he’s all like, “Everybody be happy, happy, happy.”

And then (it kinda feels like he’s shaming Euodia and Syntyche, and/or calling them unreasonable) Smalls says, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”

And then Smalls says something that potentially shames all of us, he says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Holy smokes! We are anxious about all kinds of stuff – all the time. Is Smalls trying to drive us to end of ourselves? Wretched people we are! We are anxious – BIGTIME! And we are told NOT to be. Please LORD …Please please please keep us from the temptation to feel/be anxious, and deliver us from the evil of anxiety!!!

Then Smalls says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

What would this be? What are some examples?

Here’s a (not exhaustive) list of 7 examples:

  1. Rock climbing.
  2. Walking on trails.
  3. C.S. Lewis books.
  4. Willy Wonka.
  5. The Count of Monte Cristo.
  6. Coffee & Conversation (think Theo of Golden).
  7. East of Eden (by John Steinbeck).

The Smalls sayd, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Wow! Is Smalls being arrogant? I don’t think so… but perhaps Euodia and Syntyche think so.

Then Smalls says, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Wow! Is Smalls being arrogant? I don’t think so… but perhaps Euodia and Syntyche think so.

Then Smalls says, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” Wow! Is Smalls being arrogant? I don’t think so… but perhaps Euodia and Syntyche think so.

Then Smalls says, “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

I still wonder how Euodia and Syntyche feel about this letter from Smalls.