Xanthippe’s Sisters. Philippians 4:2–3 and Leadership in the Philippian Church

Abstract

The interpretation of Philippians 4:2–3 was long determined by the premise of a dispute between Euodia and Syntyche, which was to be settled by the yokefellow. By abandoning the androcentric implications of this presumption, which can be illustrated by a comparison with Xanthippeʼs reception, the leadership function of the two women becomes clearer. In view of the Judaizing forces that could soon reach Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche were prophylactically called upon to retain unity among themselves in order to promote the unity of the community.