But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
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Commentary for Philippians 1:16
Philippians 1:16 is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, written while he was under house arrest in Rome, around AD 60-62. The historical context of this verse is rooted in Paul's missionary work and the establishment of the church in Philippi, which was one of the first Christian communities in Europe.
In this verse, Paul addresses a complex situation within the Christian community. He acknowledges that there are some who are preaching the gospel of Christ, but their motives are not pure; they are doing so with a spirit of rivalry or contention rather than genuine love for the message or concern for Paul's well-being. The term "not sincerely" suggests that these individuals might be seeking to provoke jealousy or to boast about their role in Paul's suffering, perhaps hoping to gain prestige or authority within the church by showing that they are courageous enough to preach Christ despite the risks.
Paul is keenly aware that their actions, whether intentional or not, have the potential to "add affliction to [his] bonds." This phrase indicates that their contentious preaching might exacerbate the opposition against him or lead to harsher treatment by his captors. Despite this, Paul expresses a paradoxical joy, as seen in the surrounding verses, because the gospel is still being preached, regardless of the preachers' intentions.
The themes of the verse include the importance of sincere motives in ministry, the complexity of human intentions within the early Christian community, and the resilience of the gospel message. Paul's perspective highlights the priority of Christ's message over personal agendas and the power of the gospel to advance even in the face of adversity and mixed motives. This verse also reflects the early church's struggles with internal conflict and the challenges of maintaining unity and authenticity in the faith.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: G3303 There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: μέν Transliteration: mén Pronunciation: men Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
Strong's Number: G2605 There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: καταγγέλλω Transliteration: katangéllō Pronunciation: kat-ang-gel'-lo Description: from κατά and the base of ἄγγελος; to proclaim, promulgate:--declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.
Strong's Number: G5547 There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Χριστός Transliteration: Christós Pronunciation: khris-tos' Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.
Strong's Number: G1537 There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐκ Transliteration: ek Pronunciation: ex Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Strong's Number: G2052 There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐριθεία Transliteration: eritheía Pronunciation: er-ith-i'-ah Description: perhaps as the same as ἐρεθίζω; properly, intrigue, i.e. (by implication) faction:--contention(-ious), strife.
Strong's Number: G3756 There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: οὐ Transliteration: ou Pronunciation: ookh Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
Strong's Number: G55 There are 1187 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἁγνῶς Transliteration: hagnōs Pronunciation: hag-noce' Description: adverb from ἁγνός; purely, i.e. honestly:--sincerely.
Strong's Number: G3633 There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: οἴομαι Transliteration: oíomai Pronunciation: oy'-mahee Description: middle voice apparently from οἷος; to make like (oneself), i.e. imagine (be of the opinion):--suppose, think.
Strong's Number: G2018 There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐπιφέρω Transliteration: epiphérō Pronunciation: ep-ee-fer'-o Description: from ἐπί and φέρω; to bear upon (or further), i.e. adduce (personally or judicially (accuse, inflict)), superinduce:--add, bring (against), take.
Strong's Number: G2347 There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: θλῖψις Transliteration: thlîpsis Pronunciation: thlip'-sis Description: from θλίβω; pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
Strong's Number: G3450 There are 471 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: μοῦ Transliteration: moû Pronunciation: moo Description: the simpler form of ἐμοῦ; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
Strong's Number: G1199 There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: δεσμόν Transliteration: desmón Pronunciation: des-mos' Description: neuter and masculine respectively from δέω; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability:--band, bond, chain, string.