Tara-Leigh Cobble

He encourages them to kick things into gear, too, because there have been some people in their church, it seems, who have walked away from Christ.

Then Paul turns to thank and encourage those who have stood firm alongside him.

He mentions two women who have been co-laborers with him in his ministry.

And we don't know for sure, but they could be from Lydia's prayer group back in Acts 16.

Or maybe one of them is even that formerly demonized girl.

Jesus had a formerly demonized woman in his inner circle, so why not Paul too?

Regardless, there is a rift between these two women, and Paul wants to help restore the relationship.

He tells them to rejoice, to be reasonable, to be prayerful, and to be peaceful.

These things are all tied together in one stream of thought.

Rejoicing sets the tone.

It arcs our heart toward God and His goodness.

When that's our focus, we can move through life with reasonableness.

Another translation uses the word gentleness here, because if you've got a reasonable argument, you don't have to come across as hot-headed.

You can be rational and gentle.

And when you're aware of the nearness of the Lord, like Paul says in the next line, you know you don't have to strive after anything.

He can be trusted to work on your behalf.

So talk to him about what you need and want.

Present your request to him.

And the peace that comes from trusting him and talking to him and remembering his nearness, that peace will act like a bodyguard at the door of your heart and your mind.

If anyone would have experience in this area, trying to present a reasonable argument and not be hot-headed, having peace in situations that call for anxiety, it's Paul.