Philippians 1:15

KJV

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

KJV (with Strong's)

Some {G5100} indeed {G3303} preach {G2784} Christ {G5547} even {G2532} of {G1223} envy {G5355} and {G2532} strife {G2054}; and {G1161} some {G5100} also {G2532} of {G1223} good will {G2107}:

Complete Jewish Bible

True, some are proclaiming the Messiah out of jealousy and rivalry, but others are doing it in goodwill.

Berean Standard Bible

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

American Standard Version

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 1:15 offers a profound insight into the diverse and often conflicting motivations behind the proclamation of the Gospel in the early church. The Apostle Paul, writing from imprisonment, acknowledges that while some preach Christ out of genuine benevolence and good will, others are driven by less noble impulses such as envy and strife. This verse sets the stage for Paul's remarkable perspective on the ultimate advancement of the Gospel, regardless of the messenger's imperfect intentions, underscoring God's sovereignty even amidst human frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippian church, specifically in a section (Philippians 1:12-26) where he reflects on his imprisonment and its unexpected impact on the spread of the Gospel. Paul wants the Philippians to understand that his "bonds in Christ" have become manifest throughout the praetorium and to all others, leading many of the brethren to become "much more bold to speak the word without fear" (see [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment and the Gospel's Advance")). Philippians 1:15 then introduces the nuanced reality that this emboldened preaching, while good in its outcome, did not always stem from uniformly pure motives. It contrasts the "some" who preach from envy and strife with the "some also" who preach from good will, setting up the subsequent verses where Paul expresses his overriding joy that Christ is preached, regardless of the motive (see [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "Paul Rejoices that Christ is Preached")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul was likely imprisoned in Rome at the time of writing Philippians, around AD 60-62. Roman society, and indeed the broader Greco-Roman world, was characterized by a strong emphasis on honor and shame, patronage, and rhetoric. Public speaking and philosophical debates were common, and competition among different schools of thought or religious groups was not unusual. Within the early Christian movement, even among those committed to the Gospel, human frailties like jealousy, rivalry, and personal ambition could surface, especially concerning leadership, influence, and the perceived "success" of one's ministry. Some might have seen Paul's imprisonment as an opportunity to gain prominence or challenge his apostolic authority, or perhaps to differentiate their own teaching from his, even while proclaiming the same Christ. The very act of "preaching Christ" could be co-opted for personal gain or factional purposes, reflecting the competitive spirit of the age.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 1:15 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Philippians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Gospel Advancement**, demonstrating how even adverse circumstances (Paul's imprisonment) and mixed human motivations can ultimately serve God's sovereign purpose in spreading the Good News. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Motives in Ministry**, prompting a critical examination of the heart behind spiritual service, a theme Paul addresses elsewhere, such as in his discussion of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love"). Thirdly, it subtly underscores the theme of **Paul's Christ-Centered Perspective**, where his ultimate joy and focus remain on the proclamation of Christ, transcending personal grievances or the imperfections of others. This profound focus on Christ's exaltation, even amidst human failings, is a hallmark of Paul's spiritual maturity and is foundational to the epistle's message of joy in Christ, regardless of circumstances (see [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term signifies to "herald" or "proclaim as a public crier," specifically divine truth or the Gospel. It emphasizes the public, authoritative, and formal declaration of a message, indicating that these individuals were indeed engaging in the legitimate act of proclaiming Christ, even if their motives were impure.
* **Envy (Greek, _phthónos'_):** This word denotes ill-will or jealousy, often arising from resentment towards another's success, influence, or possessions. In this context, it suggests a malicious desire to diminish Paul's standing or to usurp his perceived authority, rather than a pure desire to glorify Christ.
* **Strife (Greek, _éris'_):** Meaning "quarrel," "contention," or "wrangling," this term points to a spirit of rivalry, discord, or factionalism. It implies that some were preaching not to build up the body of Christ, but to create division, challenge existing leadership, or promote their own agenda, using the Gospel as a vehicle for their contentious spirit.
* **Good will (Greek, _eudokía'_):** This word conveys satisfaction, delight, kindness, or good pleasure. It represents the antithesis of envy and strife, indicating a pure, benevolent, and sincere motivation to spread the Gospel out of love for Christ and humanity, seeking the true spiritual welfare of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Some indeed preach Christ":** Paul begins by acknowledging the common, positive action: the proclamation of Christ. The indefinite pronoun "some" (G5100, _tìs_) combined with "indeed" (G3303, _mén_) sets up a contrast, indicating that a certain group is performing this act. The verb "preach" (G2784, _kērýssō_) confirms that the message being heralded is "Christ" (G5547, _Christós_), the central figure of the Christian faith. This establishes the outward, commendable activity.
* **"even of envy and strife;":** This phrase immediately introduces the first, negative set of motivations. The preposition "of" (G1223, _diá_) indicates the channel or cause. "Envy" (G5355, _phthónos_) suggests a malicious jealousy, possibly directed at Paul's influence or apostolic standing, while "strife" (G2054, _éris_) denotes contention, rivalry, or a desire for discord. These individuals were using the act of preaching Christ as a means to fulfill their own base desires for personal gain, rivalry, or to create factions.
* **"and some also of good will:":** The conjunction "and" (G1161, _dé_) introduces the contrasting group. Again, "some" (G5100, _tìs_) refers to another segment of preachers. The phrase "of good will" (G1223, _diá_ G2107, _eudokía_) signifies a motivation rooted in benevolence, sincere desire, and pure intentions. These individuals were genuinely committed to the advancement of the Gospel for its own sake, driven by love for Christ and the lost, without ulterior motives.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 1:15 effectively employs **Antithesis** to highlight the stark contrast in motivations among those proclaiming Christ. Paul juxtaposes "envy and strife" against "good will," creating a clear binary opposition that underscores the moral and spiritual divergence of the preachers' hearts. This rhetorical device not only clarifies the different impulses at play but also serves to emphasize the profound nature of Paul's subsequent response (in Philippians 1:18), where he transcends these motivations. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Metonymy**, where "envy and strife" and "good will" stand for the internal dispositions or character of the preachers themselves, rather than merely external forces. The motivations are so deeply ingrained they characterize the individuals. The verse also functions as a form of **Observation and Categorization**, as Paul, from his prison cell, is discerningly analyzing and labeling the various factions and their underlying drives within the broader Christian movement, demonstrating his keen insight into human nature and spiritual dynamics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of Christian ministry. It reveals that God can and does use imperfect vessels and even impure motives to accomplish His perfect will. While human responsibility for motives remains paramount, Paul's ultimate joy in the proclamation of Christ, regardless of the preacher's heart, underscores a divine economy where the message's power is not contingent on the messenger's flawlessness. This theological truth encourages believers to prioritize the spread of the Gospel above internal squabbles or personal grievances, trusting that God will work through all circumstances for His glory. It also implicitly calls for self-examination, reminding us that true spiritual fruitfulness flows from a heart aligned with God's good pleasure, not from self-promotion or rivalry.
* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.")
* [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "The Supremacy of Love in Ministry")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 1:15 serves as a timeless mirror for both individual believers and the collective church. It challenges us to look beyond the outward appearance of ministry and honestly examine the wellspring of our own service. Are we motivated by a genuine love for Christ and a desire for His kingdom to advance, or are there subtle currents of self-interest, competition, or a need for recognition? In a world increasingly focused on personal branding and influence, this verse calls us back to the purity of motive that truly honors God. It also provides a pastoral lens through which to view others' ministries: while we should always pray for integrity and purity of heart, our ultimate joy should reside in the fact that Christ is being proclaimed, rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by the imperfections or rivalries of fellow laborers. This perspective fosters a spirit of grace and unity, enabling us to rejoice in the Gospel's spread even when human elements are flawed.
#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary motivations behind my service or ministry efforts within the church or community?**
* **How does Paul's perspective in this verse challenge my own reactions to imperfect leadership or rivalries within Christian circles?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a "good will" motivation in all areas of my life, seeking God's glory above personal gain or recognition?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul approve of those who preach Christ out of envy and strife?**

Answer: No, Paul does not approve of or endorse the motivations of "envy and strife." His personal preference would undoubtedly be for all to preach Christ out of "good will." However, his remarkable spiritual maturity and Christ-centered focus allow him to transcend his personal feelings about their motives and rejoice in the ultimate outcome: that Christ is being preached. As he states in [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "Paul's Rejoicing in Christ's Proclamation"), "What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." This highlights Paul's profound trust in God's sovereignty to use even imperfect human actions for His divine purposes, without condoning the sin of impure motives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:15, while exposing the flawed motivations of some early Christian preachers, ultimately points to the supreme and unwavering motivation of Christ Himself. Unlike those driven by "envy and strife," Jesus' entire life and ministry were characterized by perfect "good will" and selfless love, culminating in His atoning sacrifice. He did not preach for personal gain or rivalry, but "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Jesus Came to Serve and Give His Life")). His motivation was always to glorify the Father ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "Jesus Glorifies the Father")) and to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The very "Christ" whom these individuals, with their mixed motives, were proclaiming is the embodiment of pure intention and divine love. Therefore, even as the verse reveals human imperfection, it magnifies the perfect character and mission of the One being preached, whose sacrifice and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's perfect "good will" towards humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). The gospel's power lies not in the purity of the messenger's heart, but in the perfect purity and redemptive work of the message's subject, Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

1 Peter 5:4

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.