Philippians 1:17
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul highlights that preaching "out of love" isn't just about good intentions; it’s about a deep "knowing" that he is divinely appointed for the defense of the Gospel. This implies that genuine ministry recognizes and supports those God has specifically placed in a unique role, even in suffering.
Paul is addressing the church in Philippi, and he reveals that even though some are preaching Christ with impure motives like selfish ambition and envy, others are doing so out of genuine love. These faithful believers understand that Paul's imprisonment isn't a setback but a strategic position, as he is "set for the defense of the gospel," and their preaching aims to support his work and advance God's kingdom.
It's one thing to talk about Jesus, but another to talk about Jesus with the right heart. Paul had to address this head-on.
Paul calls out two contrasting motivations for proclaiming Christ: selfish ambition versus genuine love.
Preaching for Self
Preaching from Love
Paul was locked up, but he saw his confinement not as an end, but as a strategic assignment from God.
Paul explains that his imprisonment wasn't a setback for the Gospel, but a divinely appointed position for its defense.
Set Apart for Defense
Understand the original words
eritheia · Greek Noun
Self-seeking behavior, rivalry, or a spirit of faction; it involves pushing one’s own agenda or status at the expense of others, often motivated by pride.
desmos · Greek Noun
A state of confinement, literal or metaphorical, often used in the New Testament to describe the apostle’s restricted condition as a servant of Christ.
The specific context of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, awaiting trial, casts a shadow over the church in Philippi. This situation allowed some to preach Christ with impure motives, seeking personal advantage or to undermine Paul, while others used the opportunity to faithfully advance the Gospel out of genuine love.
c. AD 49
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Following his ministry, Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and faces accusations that lead to his imprisonment.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul spends significant time imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima while his case is debated, awaiting a trial.
c. AD 59-60
Paul's Voyage and Shipwreck
Paul is sent to Rome under guard, experiencing a dramatic shipwreck and eventual arrival.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's House Arrest in Rome
Paul lives under house arrest in Rome, though with relative freedom to preach and receive visitors. This is the likely setting for Philippians.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Paul proclaiming Christ, contrasting the 'foolishness' of the cross as preached by him with the wisdom sought by others, highlighting a consistent theme of different motivations behind proclaiming the same message.
2 Timothy 2:9This verse speaks of the 'word of God not being bound,' which directly relates to Paul's imprisonment mentioned in Philippians 1:17, suggesting that even in confinement, the gospel message can advance.
Romans 14:17This verse defines the kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, providing a contrast to the 'selfish ambition' and division mentioned in Philippians 1:17, pointing to a more sincere and unified way of living out faith.
1 Peter 3:15This passage instructs believers to 'always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,' which aligns with the idea of defending the gospel, but emphasizes doing so 'with gentleness and respect' rather than 'selfish ambition'.
barnesPhilippians 1:17: "But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel."
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. To alleviate his sorrows, and to carry forward the great cause to defend which he was…
gillPhilippians 1:17: "But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel."
But the other of love,.... Those that were truly brethren in the Lord, who had received the grace of God in truth, to whom the Gospel was come in power, and who had a spiritual and experimental knowledge of Christ, and of the mysteries of his grace; these preached Christ of love, "out of the love of him", as the Ethiopic version reads; that is, out of love to Christ, who to them was exceeding preciou…
Paul highlights that preaching "out of love" isn't just about good intentions; it’s about a deep "knowing" that he is divinely appointed for the defense of the Gospel. This implies that genuine ministry recognizes and supports those God has specifically placed in a unique role, even in suffering.
Paul is addressing the church in Philippi, and he reveals that even though some are preaching Christ with impure motives like selfish ambition and envy, others are doing so out of genuine love. These faithful believers understand that Paul's imprisonment isn't a setback but a strategic position, as he is "set for the defense of the gospel," and their preaching aims to support his work and advance God's kingdom.
Paul is addressing the church in Philippi, and he reveals that even though some are preaching Christ with impure motives like selfish ambition and envy, others are doing so out of genuine love. These faithful believers understand that Paul's imprisonment isn't a setback but a strategic position, as he is "set for the defense of the gospel," and their preaching aims to support his work and advance God's kingdom.
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c. AD 62
Possible Release and Further Ministry
Some scholars believe Paul was released from his Roman imprisonment, possibly leading to further missionary journeys before a later arrest and execution.
"The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment." — Paul highlights that preaching "out of love" isn't just about good intentions; it’s about a deep "knowing" that he is divinely appointed for the defense of the Gospel. This implies that genuine minis…
