[Greek] συνεργός (synergos), [Latin] adiutor,[Latin] cooperator: fellow worker, co-worker, fellow laborer, helper, working together; Rom.16:3,9,21, 1Cor.3:9, 2Cor.1:24, 2Cor.8:23, Php.2:25, Php.4:3, Col.4:11, Phm1:1,24, 1Thess.3:2, 3Jn.8
Statue of Pope St. Clement at St. Peter’s Basilica. Clement was a former co-worker of Paul.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, meaning helper or fellow worker, refers to a work or achievement which is more or less equally divided among fellow workers. Examples of helpers can consist of accomplices, co-workers, gods, and metaphorical constructs (ideas). Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 3.63.4 states “The return that you made them was therefore neither equal nor honorable, since you called them in, as you say, because you were being oppressed yourselves, and then became the accomplices in oppressing others.” Plato’s Charmides 173d states “I grant you, for Prudence, would not suffer ignorance to foist herself in and take a hand in our labors.” Euripides’ Hippolytus 676 state “What god, what mortal shall appear to help me, sit at my side, and lend a hand to my unjust deeds.” Euripides Medea 396 state “By the goddess I worship most of all, my chosen helper Hecate, who dwells in the inner chamber of my house, none of them shall pain my heart and smile at it.”
Old Testament: This term, occurring only four times, means helper in both a good and bad sense. These helpers include men, times, opportunities, and nights. The Hellenistic Jewish philosopher Philo quite frequently uses this term. Examples include recollection as a helper, the cooperation of reason, sinful persons who act with us, all parts of the soul committing sin, no human helper on the way to virtue, idolatrous statues , painting co-partners in deceit, and the working together of the world’s powers. God has no need of a helper. However, God uses subordinate helpers in the creation of man. The philosopher Josephus focuses on the synergism of God with man. The synergism of faith refers to the notion that the righteous person only lives by faithfulness.
When Jonathon saw that the times favored him, he sent selected men to Rome to confirm and renew his friendship with the Romans (1Macc.12:1). But he found an opportunity to further his mad scheme when he was invited to the council by Demetrius and questioned about the dispositions and intentions of the Jews (2Macc.14:5). He preferred the nights as being especially helpful for such attacks. So the fame of his valor spread everywhere (2Macc.8:7).
New Testament: This term, meaning co-worker, occurs predominately in Paul’s letters. This title (co-worker) applies to both companions and pupils who carry forth the common work in Christ. Although Paul maintains his superior status as Apostle, he still bestows honor on his companions and pupils. They are all God’s helpers or handymen in the kingdom of God. Paul’s helpers share with the burden of the ministry of reconciliation. 3Jn refers to co-workers working for the propagation of the truth of the gospel in pagan lands.
Scripture:
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.” Rom.16:3
Paul, Prisca, and Aquila were both tent-makers. They supported their missionary work by making tents.
“Yes, and I ask you also, my true yokemate, to help them, for they have struggled at my side in promoting the gospel, along with Clement and my other co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Php.4:3
Yokemate was another name for a co-worker. At this time Clement was an unknown co-worker. Clement would later become Bishop (pope) of Rome.
“Therefore, we ought to support such person, so that we may be co-workers in the truth.” 3Jn.8
3Jn was written to the Christians who were living in pagan lands. These Christians were encouraged to persevere by not expecting any support from the pagans. These Christians were encouraged also to persevere in the propagation of the truth of Christianity.
Clement: In Php.4:3 Paul makes reference to a then unknown co-worker Clement. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written around 49-51 AD. The ancient Christian Eusebius writer also makes mention that this Clement would later become the fourth Bishop of Rome from 88-97 AD. Clement wrote two epistles to the Corinthians addressing their problems (paganism, sedition, dissent, etc). Clement’s famous first letter to the Corinthians establishes the doctrine of apostolic correction and succession.
Eusebius’ Church History Book III (written in 313 AD):
Chapter 2: Peter, Bishop of Rome, was martyred in Rome in 67AD. Linus succeeds Peter as second Bishop of Rome. Paul mentions Linus, when writing to Timothy from Rome.
Chapter 4: Paul had innumerable fellow labors or fellow soldiers.
Chapter 13: Anancletus succeeds Linus as third Bishop of Rome
Chapter 15: Clement succeeds Anancletus as fourth Bishop of Rome.
Chapter 16: Clement writes his 1st Letter to the Corinthians in response to the sedition and division of the Corinthian community.
Conclusion:
Synergy, synergism, synergistic, adjustor, adjust, co-operator, cooperate
Before I had started to investigate this term, I really did not know what I would later find. I was thinking of co-workers as just fellow men (and women). I was surprised to discover that the gods were helpers and accomplices. Plato also makes references to metaphors (Prudence and Love) as helpers.
In the Old Testament, the Hellenistic Jewish philosophers make many references to helpers (and helping). God uses only subordinate helpers. There is also a synergism (working together) of faithfulness and righteousness.
In the New Testament, this term primarily applies to companions and pupils working in the name of Christ. It is interesting to note that Paul makes reference to an unknown co-worker Clement, who would later become the fourth Bishop of Rome (pope). It is significant to note that Eusebius, a reliable ancient Christian writer, makes confirmation of Clement and his relationship with Paul. This provides evidence of a link from Paul to Clement, Bishop of Rome.
This reminds me of that famous quote by the soon to be saint John Henry Cardinal Newman. He said, “To be deep in history, is to be cease to be Protestant.”
I hope this information works for you and your Protestant friends!