Fifty soldiers standing together in proper formation is far more effective than 100 soldiers scattered about and operating independently. For soldiers to be effective, they have to maintain their cohesion as a unit. Soldiers are trained to perform their tasks as part of a larger body. They are choosing to act in ways that demonstrate that internal bond. They are acknowledging the common bond of the Holy Spirit and now binding themselves together accordingly. Our translation says they are of one mind, but more literally they are of “one soul.” This goes deeper than thinking the same way-they are bound together almost as one man. These soldiers are united in a common cause, and working together to achieve victory. It’s a word that pictures soldiers fighting for victory together. Verse 27 says, “with one mind strive side by side for the faith of the gospel”. Second, Paul tells them to stand boldly for one faith. The Holy Spirit of God indwells each of them, giving them the deepest possible kind of unity. So what Paul is telling these people is to remember that they share a common bond with one another. It’s not some abstract idea that binds us all together as Christians it’s not a common interest or hobby ultimately, it’s a person. As Christians, each of us is indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who brings unity to Christians. It might be clarifying to capitalize the “s” in Spirit so we see that he’s talking about the Holy Spirit. They’re going to stand firm in the spirit of unity. So what are the Christians to do under these ongoing waves of attack? Paul says to “stand firm in one spirit.” Stand firm pictures a group of soldiers who will not budge, who are not going to give an inch of ground. One way or another, they are suffering because of their faith. Perhaps they are all beginning to see their freedom curtailed. Perhaps some of the members of this church have been hauled off to prison and some have been killed. In fact, Christians across the Roman Empire were often under persecution from the local governors and even from the Emperor himself. We don’t know the exact circumstances at the time of this letter, but we do know that this church faced regular opposition from opponents of the Christian faith. Sponsor Show Your Support Become a Patron Stand Firm in One Spiritįirst, they must stand firm in one spirit.
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