Philippians 1:16

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

The one {G3303} preach {G2605} Christ {G5547} of {G1537} contention {G2052}, not {G3756} sincerely {G55}, supposing {G3633} to add {G2018} affliction {G2347} to my {G3450} bonds {G1199}:

The latter act from love, aware that I am put where I am for defending the Good News;

The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;

Commentary

Context

Philippians 1:16 is part of Paul's opening remarks to the church in Philippi, written while he was imprisoned (likely in Rome). In the preceding verses, Paul expresses his joy and confidence in the spread of the gospel, even through his chains. He then introduces a distinction among those who preach Christ. Philippians 1:15 sets the stage, mentioning that some preach Christ out of "envy and strife," while others preach out of "good will." This verse, Philippians 1:16, specifically elaborates on the former group, detailing their negative motivations.

Key Themes

  • Mixed Motivations in Ministry: The verse highlights that even good actions, like preaching Christ, can be undertaken with impure or selfish motives. Not all who serve God do so with a sincere heart.
  • Opposition and Affliction: Paul acknowledges that some individuals actively sought to cause him distress during his imprisonment. Their preaching was not aimed at glorifying God or genuinely converting souls, but at adding "affliction to my bonds," perhaps hoping to provoke Roman authorities or undermine Paul's influence.
  • Paul's Enduring Focus: Despite the malicious intent of these preachers, Paul's primary concern, as revealed in the subsequent verse (Philippians 1:18), remains that Christ is preached. His focus transcends personal comfort or reputation.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase in this verse is "preach Christ of contention." The Greek word for "contention" here is eritheia (แผฯฮนฮธฮตฮฏฮฑ), which often denotes "selfish ambition," "rivalry," or "factious spirit." It describes a divisive, self-seeking motive rather than a pure desire to spread the gospel. It suggests a striving for personal prominence or party advantage, rather than genuine zeal for God's kingdom. Coupled with "not sincerely" (Greek: ouk hagnos, meaning "not purely" or "not chastely"), the text powerfully emphasizes the impure and self-serving nature of their actions.

Practical Application

This verse offers a timeless lesson for believers and those in ministry. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations:

  • Self-Examination: Are our actions, even those done for God, driven by genuine love for Christ and others, or by selfish ambition, a desire for recognition, or rivalry? As 1 Corinthians 13:1 reminds us, without love, even profound spiritual acts are meaningless.
  • Focus on the Message: Like Paul, we are called to prioritize the proclamation of Christ. While motives matter, we can still rejoice when the gospel is advanced, even through imperfect channels.
  • Grace in Adversity: Paul's response to those who wished him ill provides an example of grace and steadfastness in the face of opposition. It encourages us to maintain our focus on God's purposes, even when others seek to cause us distress.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:1

    ยถ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

    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.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17

    For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

  • Psalms 69:26

    For they persecute [him] whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

  • Philippians 1:7

    ยถ 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.

  • Philippians 1:12

    ยถ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

  • Philippians 1:10

    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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