-tThere are some definite uncertainties in this verse. It is uncertain if Paul is addressing an individual named Syzygos, or if he is referring generically to every member of the assembly there in Philippi who would thus be tied to both the problem as well as the solution of the aforementioned conflict. I think it is the latter. Paul is enlisting the help of each and every person in that local body to help these two women who are at odds with each other. We are all stakeholders in how the Gospel is lived out within our assembly. The word syzygos gives us the English word 'syzygy'. It refers to a unique connection or conjunction. It describes two or more things which are actually yoked together. A yoke is a strong (think tough to break) connection or bond that is used to help two parties work more effectively in unison in order to accomplish a task or further some purpose. In truth believers in a local assembly do have this kind of connection. The Spirit of God Himself arranges and assembles each localized expression of the Body of Christ such that the members are able (and meant) to care for and build up one another and work together for the progress of the Gospel among their neighbors and to the ends of the earth (1Corinthians 12.6-7, 1Corinthians 12.24-26, Philippians 1.27, Ephesians 4.16). If there is a problem that exists between two of my fellow believers, it is my problem as well, because we are part of a body, and if one part of the body is suffering, or if two parts are at odds with each other, it affects the entire body. My conflict with someone else is not just about me and that person. It is not ever just about me - it is all about the Lord and about His glory, making Him famous among the nations. We in western Christendom are so busy in the world living our own lives and so disconnected from would-be Syzygi that we often either don't know the struggles others are having or don't think we know them well enough to get involved. Or we leave it up to the pastor, the paid professional, to fix - that's his job, right? Or we figure their families will help. But that's where we err - we ARE family, we are God's people - He has yoked us together to show off His breathtaking goodness! So much standing on the sidelines while bodies and marriages and families and friends are coming apart. We can do better. We must do better.
-There is also uncertainty about the identity of Clement. Who is Clement actually? We don’t know. He is not mentioned anywhere else in the NT, so there are no details other than what Paul briefly gives here. It is safe to say that he was a Christ-follower, he was a member of the assembly in Philippi, and that he had served with Paul and Euodia and Syntyche and others in advancing the Gospel there in Philippi and perhaps elsewhere. Why does Paul specifically mention him here? We don’t know exactly - most likely he played a key role in that assembly.
-One thing Paul states for certain about Clement - his name is in the Book of Life, along with these others who are following Christ and have been spreading the Good News about Him (the two do go hand in hand - there are no spectators when it comes to the Gospel. If you’re in the boat, you’re fishing - grab a line or cut bait, or both). The Lamb’s Book of Life contains the names of those who have trusted in Christ payment for their sins and are on the roll of heaven (Luke 10.20, Hebrews 12.23) - these are the ones who are getting in (Revelation 21.27). Every one else must pay their own penalty for their sins (Romans 6.23, Revelation 20.15). The way Paul can be certain about the inclusion of Clement and these others in the Book of Life is the fact of their faithful ongoing work in the cause of the Gospel. It is not enough to simply pray a prayer or go to a building once a week. The transformation that Christ will produce in the life of every person who truly trusts in the Good News and follows Him necessarily includes involvement in the work of sharing this Good News with others (Matthew 4.19). If you are not fishing, then you must ask yourself honestly if you have fully believed the Gospel and truly trusted in Christ.
-And more than scant details for Syzygos and Clement, we do see an overarching theme of this epistle culminating here in this verse. The prefix ‘syn’ occurs four times - it speaks to qualities and actions that exist or take place together with other people. Beyond relating his own circumstances, this is what Paul has been describing and exhorting for the entirety of his letter - Philippians 1.5, 1.7, 1.27, 2.1-4, 2.14, 2.20, 2.25-26, 3.17 - people who are part of a body, a family, people who care about each other and long to be together, people who help each other and learn from each other and put each other before and above themselves, people who share life and pursue Jesus together and focus on the priority of making Him famous among their neighbors and the nations, on bringing others into the white-hot enjoyment of His breathtaking goodness. The Christian life about connections - the connection to Jesus first and foremost, but also connections which transcend both borders AND blood, where I am vitally yoked together with fellow aliens and pilgrims who are citizens of the same realm to which I now belong. These are my brothers and sisters. There truly are no lone ranger Christ-followers. We are made and have been remade for community, to experience and contribute to a common unity which has become rather more uncommon. There is no place for isolation - that person is in danger of being devoured (1Peter 5.8). Yes, we need each other. We were made for one another. God designed it this way (cf Ephesians 4.1-6, Ephesians 4.12-13, Ephesians 4.16, Ephesians 4.25). We paddle together in our coracle with our faces set towards Aslan’s land.
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