Philippians 1:17
in Philippians 1The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
BSB
The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾
ASV
but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.
KJV
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
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This verse in Philippians 1
Commentary
9 notes on this verseWhat is skewed among those who "proclaim Christ out of partisanship" is their temperament and their motive, not the content of their proclamation. Paul exposes these bad tempers as the sole cause of their disunity, but these bad tempers apparently do not have a bad effect on the mysteries of the faith. There is still only one Christ and one God. This does not change, regardless of what motives may come into play in preaching him.
This site's exposition
of envy and strife
on Philippians 1:15-17
Paul names two camps preaching the same Christ from opposite motives, some of envy and strife, eritheia, the same faction-word condemned at 2:3, hoping to add affliction to a prisoner's bonds, and some of good will and love, knowing Paul is set, keitai, appointed as by law, for the defence of the gospel. The rivalry is real and Paul does not soften it, yet he does not answer it with anger. The contrast prepares the surprising turn of verse 18, where the wrong motive does not void the right message.
The record, by era
The Church Fathers1 voice
"But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel." What means, "that I am set for the defense of the Gospel"? It is, They are preparing for the account which I must give to God, and assisting me. What is meant by "for the defense"? I have been appointed to preach, I must give account, and answer for the work to which I have been appointed; they assist me, that my defense may be easy; for if there be found many who have been instructed and have believed, my defense will be easy. So it is possible to do a good work, from a motive which is not good. And not only is there no reward in store for such an action, but punishment. For as they preached Christ from a desire to involve the preacher of Christ in greater perils, not only shall they receive no reward, but shall be subject to vengeance and punishment. "And some of love." That is, they know that I must give account for the Gospel.
The Medieval Church2 voices
That is, others out of love both for God and for me preach the Gospel, knowing that I must give an account of my preaching, and for this reason they assist me in this work. For if many join my preaching, it will be easy …
Then the Apostle explains what he had said, saying that, the former proclaim Christ out of partisanship and not according to a right intention. For their depraved intention is clear in two ways: first, by preaching publicly they caused a disturbance among the Gentiles against …
The Puritans and the Awakening2 voices
But the others out of love - To Christ and me. Knowing - Not barely, supposing. That I am set - Literally, I lie; yet still going forward in his work.
But the other of love,....
2 more voices on this verse
The Nineteenth Century2 voices
The other of love - Through a sincere desire, not only to make known the way of salvation to the people, but also to vindicate and help the apostle, because they considered him as appointed by God to preach and defend the Gospel. The 16th and 17th verses are transposed by ABDEFG, and several others; the Syriac, Arabic of Erpen, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, Itala, and several of the fathers. On this evidence Griesbach transposed them in his edition.
A commentator
Albert Barnes1798–1870
Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869)
proposed
But the other of love - From pure motives, and from sincere affection to me. Knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel - They believe that I am an ambassador from God. They regard me as unjustly imprisoned, and while I am disabled, they are willing to aid me in the great cause to which my life is devoted.
The walk
5 stopsEach card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.
Through
Philippians 2:3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
it leads to
- Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
- Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
- Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
- 1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Romans 12:10
Where this verse is studied
On this page
Studies3
On this verse
About Philippians
This page draws on 10 works. Open the list of works
This page draws on Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament; Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869); Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; John Chrysostom, Homily on Philippians 2; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament (1746-1748); John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament; Tertullian, AGAINST MARCION 5.20.1; Theophylact of Ohrid, Commentary on Philippians and Thomas Aquinas, Commentary on Philippians.