Philippians 1:15
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a surprising paradox: even when people preach Christ with impure motives like envy and rivalry, their message can still advance the gospel. Paul rejoices in this because, despite their selfish agendas, these individuals are still pointing to Jesus, and that core truth ultimately serves God's purposes.
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison, likely in Rome, and he's addressing a situation where some people are proclaiming Christ, but not all for the right reasons. While some are spreading the gospel out of genuine love and good intentions, others are doing it out of jealousy and a desire to stir up trouble, possibly against Paul himself.
Imagine Paul, imprisoned, hearing that people are talking about Jesus. But the news isn't all good. Some are spreading the message for all the wrong reasons.
Paul acknowledges that not everyone preaching about Christ had pure intentions. He distinguishes between two groups:
It sounds almost unbelievable: Paul could actually 'rejoice' when some preached Christ with selfish motives! How is this possible?
This is one of the most profound aspects of Paul's thinking here. Despite the problematic motives of some, Paul still found a reason to rejoice.
Understand the original words
kēryssousin · Greek Verb
To proclaim, announce, or herald a message publicly. In a biblical context, it refers to the authoritative declaration of the gospel, inviting people to respond to the truth of Christ.
phthonon · Greek Noun
A feeling of resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck; in a biblical context, it is a work of the flesh that stands in opposition to the unity and love of the body of Christ.
erin · Greek Noun
A spirit of contention, selfish ambition, or the desire to put oneself forward at the expense of others. It is often contrasted with the humility required of Christ's followers.
The historical context of the early church, marked by internal debates over Jewish law and persistent opposition from Judaizers, helps explain the 'envy and rivalry' mentioned by Paul. These opponents sought to undermine his authority and influence, even while proclaiming Christ.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
The early church grappled with whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, especially circumcision. Paul and Barnabas strongly advocated for freedom from these requirements, a decision that shaped the future of Christianity.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul faced significant opposition from those who sought to blend Jewish law with the gospel, a conflict that would continue to plague the early church.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul's arrest and subsequent imprisonment in Rome provided him with opportunities to minister to various groups, including some who preached Christ with ulterior motives.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Letter to the Philippians
Written during his Roman imprisonment, this letter reflects on the challenges Paul faced, including the diverse motivations of those proclaiming the gospel, as seen in chapter 1.
This passage directly addresses divisions within the church, highlighting how factions and strife can undermine unity and the pure proclamation of Christ, mirroring the 'envy and strife' mentioned in Philippians.
Galatians 5:19-21The 'acts of the flesh' listed here, such as 'rivalry, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,' provide a clear picture of the destructive attitudes that fueled the 'envy and strife' of some who preached Christ.
1 Timothy 6:3-5This passage warns against those who teach false doctrine out of a desire for gain or to stir up trouble, which aligns with the impure motives behind some preaching in Philippians 1:15.
Romans 10:1The apostle's heartfelt prayer for Israel contrasts with the self-serving motives of some preachers, underscoring the genuine 'good will' and deep concern for others that should characterize Christian proclamation.
barnesPhilippians 1:15: "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:"
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife - What was the ground of this "envy and strife" the apostle does not mention. It would seem, however, that even in Rome there was a party which was jealous of the influence of Paul, and which supposed that this was a good opportunity to diminish his influence, and to strengthen their own cause. He was not now at large so as to be able: to meet and…
gillPhilippians 1:15: "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:"
Some, indeed, preach Christ,.... That is, some of them, as the Arabic version reads; some of the brethren, that were only so in profession; wherefore these could not be the unbelieving Jews, who preached the Messiah in general, but did not believe Jesus of Nazareth to be he, and opened the prophecies of the Old Testament relating to him, to the Gentiles; at which the apostle is by some thought to…
The verse highlights a surprising paradox: even when people preach Christ with impure motives like envy and rivalry, their message can still advance the gospel. Paul rejoices in this because, despite their selfish agendas, these individuals are still pointing to Jesus, and that core truth ultimately serves God's purposes.
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison, likely in Rome, and he's addressing a situation where some people are proclaiming Christ, but not all for the right reasons. While some are spreading the gospel out of genuine love and good intentions, others are doing it out of jealousy and a desire to stir up trouble, possibly against Paul himself.
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison, likely in Rome, and he's addressing a situation where some people are proclaiming Christ, but not all for the right reasons. While some are spreading the gospel out of genuine love and good intentions, others are doing it out of jealousy and a desire to stir up trouble, possibly against Paul himself.
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"Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will." — The verse highlights a surprising paradox: even when people preach Christ with impure motives like envy and rivalry, their message can still advance the gospel. Paul rejoices in this because, despite…
