The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Philippians 1:16
What does Philippians 1:16 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Philippians 1:16
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easy to miss here is that these aren't just people who disagree with Paul, but they're actively trying to make his imprisonment worse. They're preaching Christ, yes, but their motives are mixed with factionalism and a desire to stir up trouble, hoping to make his suffering more intense.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is contrasting two groups of people preaching the gospel. The first group, he says, preaches out of love and a genuine desire to defend the faith. The second group, however, preaches out of rivalry and with impure motives, hoping to cause him more trouble while he's imprisoned.
Paul contrasts two groups proclaiming Christ, but their 'why' is worlds apart. One group is driven by pure, selfless love.
The first group mentioned (though appearing after the divisive ones in the text's flow) preached Christ 'out of love.' This wasn't just a casual affection; it was a deep, abiding commitment.
What Does 'Love' Mean Here?
Not everyone proclaiming Christ had pure intentions. Some were driven by a divisive spirit, a 'faction,' that sought to undermine Paul.
The other group Paul addresses preached Christ, but their motivation was 'of contention' or 'faction.' This wasn't about theological disagreement; it was about internal division and self-interest.
The Faction's Motives:
Ask a follow-up
Paul's imprisonment wasn't a setback for him; it was a divinely appointed position for a crucial task.
The text clarifies why Paul was where he was: 'knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.' This reveals a profound understanding of his calling amidst suffering.
Paul's Perspective:
Understand the original words
agapē · Greek Noun
Deep, sacrificial commitment and affection, often modeled after God’s love for humanity; it denotes a settled disposition of the heart to seek the highest good of another.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' of salvation through Jesus Christ; the message of the incarnation, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus for the redemption of sinners.
Paul's imprisonment in Rome placed him in a complex environment where his ministry continued, but also attracted both sincere followers and contentious rivals, highlighting the diverse reactions to the gospel even amidst suffering.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest, awaiting trial. This period allows him to write several epistles, including Philippians.
c. AD 50s
Spread of Christianity
Christianity is spreading throughout the Roman Empire, often viewed with suspicion or hostility by Roman authorities and Jewish leaders.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jews from Rome due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus'. This may have led to the early establishment of Christian communities in Rome, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames Christians, leading to the first major persecution of Christians in the city.
This passage speaks to divisions within the church, echoing the 'contention' mentioned in Philippians and highlighting the need for unity in Christ.
Galatians 1:7This verse warns against those who pervert the gospel, paralleling the insincere motives of those preaching Christ in Philippians 1:16 who weren't acting with pure intentions.
Matthew 5:11-12Jesus' words about rejoicing and being glad when people persecute us for righteousness' sake offer a similar perspective to Paul's joy in the gospel being preached, even by those with impure motives.
2 Timothy 4:16This passage describes Paul's first defense where no one stood by him, but all deserted him, showing a potential parallel to the 'affliction' or 'pressure' caused by those who did not fully support him.
barnesPhilippians 1:16: "The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:"
The one preach Christ of contention - So as to form parties, and to produce strifes among his professed followers. Not sincerely - Not "purely" - ἁγνῶς hagnōs - not with pure motives or intentions. Their real aim is not to preach Christ, but to produce difficulty, and to stir up strife. They are ambitious people, and they have no real regard for the welfare of the church and the…
gillPhilippians 1:16: "The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:"
The one preach Christ of contention,.... That is, those that preached of envy and strife, an not of good will to Christ, to the Gospel, to the souls of men, or to the apostle; and though they preached Christ, yet not sincerely or "purely"; not but that they delivered the sincere milk of the word, and preached the pure Gospel of Christ, without any mixture and adulteration; but then t…
What's easy to miss here is that these aren't just people who disagree with Paul, but they're actively trying to make his imprisonment worse. They're preaching Christ, yes, but their motives are mixed with factionalism and a desire to stir up trouble, hoping to make his suffering more intense.
Paul is contrasting two groups of people preaching the gospel. The first group, he says, preaches out of love and a genuine desire to defend the faith. The second group, however, preaches out of rivalry and with impure motives, hoping to cause him more trouble while he's imprisoned.
Paul is contrasting two groups of people preaching the gospel. The first group, he says, preaches out of love and a genuine desire to defend the faith. The second group, however, preaches out of rivalry and with impure motives, hoping to cause him more trouble while he's imprisoned.
"The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel." — What's easy to miss here is that these aren't just people who disagree with Paul, but they're actively trying to make his imprisonment worse. They're preaching Christ, yes, but their motives are mi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026