Note 5 at Phil. 4:3: The word "yokefellow" paints a picture of someone pulling together with Paul in the work of the gospel, like yoked oxen. The strength of the oxen is increased by virtue of their being yoked together. The TEV translates this word as "faithful partner." It is not clear whether Paul is speaking of an individual here or if he is referring to the Philippian believers as a whole. It is also unclear whether he is requesting them to help Euodias and Syntyche reconcile their differences or if he is speaking of other help.

Note 6 at Phil. 4:3: Euodias, Stntyche and Clement were obviously fellow workers who had labored with Paul in the gospel. The word "labored," SUNATHLEO in the Greek, is translated two times in the New Testament (Phil. 1:27; 4:3) and means "to strive together for" or "to labor with." "It is a word normally used of fighting a war or of a contest in an athletic arena" (A Translators Handbook on Philippians, p. 126). It is translated in some translations as "worked side by side" (LB), "worked hard with me" (TEV), "a help to me when I was fighting" (JB), and "who shared my struggles" (NEB).

Note 7 at Phil. 4:3: This is the only mention of Clement in scripture. His name meant "mild, merciful." Some people think this is the same Clement who became the bishop of Rome around the end of the first century.

Note 8 at Phil. 4:3: This is the only mention of the "book of life" by that name in scripture outside of the book of Revelation. It is probable that "the book" spoken of in Daniel 12:1 is referring to this "book of life." And Jesus told us to rejoice because our names are written in heaven, implying the "book of life." The "book of life" is referred to seven times in Revelation (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19) for a total of eight certain times in scripture.

No one can enter God's presence without his name being written in the "Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27). Anyone whose name is not written in the "book of life" will spend eternity in the "lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15). It is possible to have your name blotted out of the "book of life" (Rev. 3:5). There will be books which record our deeds from which we are judged. Apparently, having our name written in the "book of life" will supersede anything else written about us (Rev. 20:12).