Philippians 1:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 1:16 describes a faction of individuals who preach Christ not from pure motives but out of selfish ambition and rivalry, intending to exacerbate the apostle Paul's suffering while he is imprisoned. Despite their malicious intent to cause him further distress by adding affliction to his bonds, Paul's ultimate concern remains the unhindered proclamation of the gospel, regardless of the preacher's underlying motivations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's opening remarks to the Philippian church, written while he was under house arrest, likely in Rome. In the preceding verses, Paul expresses profound joy and confidence in the spread of the gospel, even through the unlikely circumstance of his imprisonment, as detailed in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment and the Gospel's Advance"). He then introduces a crucial distinction among those who preach Christ. [Philippians 1:15](/philippians/1-15 "Different Motivations for Preaching Christ") sets the stage by identifying two groups: some preach Christ out of "envy and strife," while others do so from "good will." Philippians 1:16 specifically elaborates on the former group, detailing their impure motivations and their desire to increase Paul's suffering, thus providing the backdrop for Paul's remarkable, Christ-centered response in [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "Paul's Rejoicing in Christ's Proclamation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's imprisonment (likely in Rome, though Caesarea is also a possibility) placed him in a precarious legal and social position within the Roman Empire. Roman prisons were not designed for rehabilitation but for punishment and holding, often entailing harsh conditions, including physical restraints like "bonds" or chains. In this environment, any action that could be perceived as undermining Roman authority or causing civil unrest could lead to severe consequences. The contentious preachers might have sought to draw negative attention to Paul, perhaps by suggesting his preaching was seditious, or simply to gain personal influence by contrasting themselves with the imprisoned apostle. The early Christian movement was also navigating complex internal dynamics, with various leaders and emerging factions, making internal rivalries a real possibility.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 1:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Gospel Advancement** despite adversity, demonstrating that God's purposes are not thwarted by human imperfection or malice. It highlights the critical theme of **Authenticity of Ministry**, revealing that even outwardly good actions like preaching Christ can be tainted by impure motives. This verse also powerfully showcases **Paul's Christ-Centered Perspective**, as his ultimate concern transcends personal comfort or reputation, focusing solely on the proclamation of Christ. Furthermore, it subtly addresses the reality of **Internal Opposition** or rivalry within the early Christian community, a challenge Paul frequently encountered, as seen in his warnings against false teachers in [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Paul's Warning Against False Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **preach (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** This verb means "to proclaim, promulgate, declare, or teach." It signifies a public and authoritative declaration of a message. In this context, it underscores the paradox that even with impure motives, the content of their message is still the essential truth of "Christ."
* **contention (Greek, _eritheía'_):** This term, derived from a word related to rivalry, denotes "intrigue," "faction," "selfish ambition," or "strife." It describes a divisive, self-seeking spirit, emphasizing that these individuals were driven by personal gain or a desire for prominence rather than genuine love for God or others.
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** Meaning "pressure," "tribulation," or "trouble," this word describes the distress or suffering Paul was already enduring in his imprisonment. The intent of these preachers was to "add" to this existing burden, making his difficult circumstances even worse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The one preach Christ of contention":** This clause identifies a specific group of preachers whose motivation for proclaiming Christ is rooted in "contention" or "selfish ambition." They are not driven by a pure desire to spread the gospel but by rivalry, a desire for personal prominence, or a factious spirit that seeks to undermine others, perhaps Paul himself.
* **"not sincerely":** This phrase further clarifies the impurity of their motives. The Greek adverb "hagnōs" means "purely" or "honestly." By stating they preach "not sincerely," Paul emphasizes that their inner disposition is far from pure or genuine; their actions are tainted by ulterior motives.
* **"supposing to add affliction to my bonds":** This final clause reveals the specific malicious intent of these individuals. They "suppose" or "imagine" that their contentious preaching will exacerbate Paul's suffering. Their aim is to increase the "pressure" or "tribulation" he is already experiencing in his "bonds" (imprisonment), perhaps by drawing negative attention to him from Roman authorities or by causing him emotional distress through their divisive actions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Contrast** in this passage, implicitly setting the motives of these contentious preachers against those who preach from "good will" (as mentioned in the preceding verse). The phrase "not sincerely" functions as a powerful **Litotes**, a rhetorical device that uses an understatement to affirm the opposite, effectively meaning "very insincerely" or "with utterly impure motives." The use of "bonds" is a **Metonymy**, where the physical chains represent the entirety of Paul's imprisonment and the suffering associated with it. This vivid imagery underscores the personal nature of the attack and the deliberate intent to cause him distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:16 powerfully illustrates the ever-present challenge of impure motives within religious service. While the content of the message—Christ—is paramount, the verse highlights that human instruments can be flawed, driven by self-interest or rivalry even in seemingly spiritual endeavors. This serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing personal gain or recognition over the genuine advancement of God's kingdom. Paul's ability to see past their malicious intent to the ultimate good of Christ being proclaimed demonstrates a profound theological maturity and a singular focus on the gospel's triumph, reflecting a divine perspective that values the spread of truth above all else.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord' Will Enter")
* [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "Love as the Greatest Gift")
* [James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "Wisdom from Above and Below")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound mirror for all who claim to serve Christ, whether in formal ministry or daily life. It compels us to rigorously examine our deepest motivations. Are our actions, even those that appear outwardly good, truly rooted in sincere love for God and neighbor, or are they subtly tainted by a desire for personal recognition, rivalry, or control? Paul's response to those who sought to harm him provides a powerful example of spiritual maturity: his joy was not contingent on his circumstances or the purity of others' motives, but on the unhindered proclamation of Christ. This challenges us to rise above personal grievances and focus on the greater good of the gospel, finding joy even when faced with opposition or imperfect collaborators, trusting that God can use even flawed means for His perfect ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the underlying motivations for my service and spiritual activities? Am I seeking to genuinely honor Christ, or are there hidden desires for recognition, power, or personal gain?**
* **How do I respond when others, even within the Christian community, act with impure motives or cause me distress? Can I, like Paul, still rejoice if Christ is proclaimed?**
* **In what ways might I be unintentionally "adding affliction" to others through my words or actions, even if I believe I am serving God?**

### FAQ

**Why would someone preach Christ with "contention" or "impure motives"?**

Answer: Individuals might preach Christ with "contention" (Greek: _eritheía_, meaning selfish ambition or rivalry) for various reasons. They might seek personal prominence, desire to build their own following, or compete with other leaders, perhaps even Paul himself. In Paul's case, some might have wanted to undermine his authority or reputation, hoping to gain influence by contrasting their freedom with his imprisonment. Their goal was not pure evangelism but self-promotion or causing distress to Paul, perhaps believing that their contentious preaching would draw negative attention to him and exacerbate his suffering in prison.

**Did Paul condone preaching with impure motives?**

Answer: No, Paul did not condone impure motives. He clearly identifies the "contention" and "insincerity" as negative. However, his remarkable spiritual maturity allowed him to rejoice that, despite the corrupt motives of the preachers, the ultimate outcome was that Christ was being proclaimed. His focus was on the message, not solely on the messenger's heart, though the latter is certainly important. His joy in [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "Paul's Rejoicing in Christ's Proclamation") is not *because* of their bad motives, but *despite* them, because Christ was still preached.

**What does "add affliction to my bonds" mean in this context?**

Answer: "To add affliction to my bonds" means that these contentious preachers intended to increase Paul's suffering and distress while he was imprisoned. His "bonds" refer to his chains and the general hardship of his imprisonment. The "affliction" (Greek: _thlîpsis_) implies pressure, tribulation, or trouble. Their preaching, driven by rivalry, might have involved slandering Paul, misrepresenting his teachings, or even attempting to stir up Roman authorities against him, thereby making his already difficult situation even more burdensome and painful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:16, though describing human failings and impure motives, ultimately points to the absolute supremacy of Christ and the unstoppable nature of His gospel. Even when preached from motives of "contention" and "insincerity," the very act of proclaiming "Christ" (Greek: _Christós_, the Anointed One, the Messiah) inherently directs attention to the One who is the fulfillment of all God's promises and the central figure of salvation history. Paul's profound response, prioritizing the message over the messenger's flawed intent, mirrors the divine economy where God can use imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will. This echoes the truth that the power of the gospel lies not in human eloquence or purity of motive, but in the person and redemptive work of Christ Himself, who, even when betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot (as seen in [John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")), still moved purposefully towards the cross for the salvation of humanity. The ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, as described in [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "The Supremacy of Christ"), transcends all human machinations and rivalries, ensuring that His name will be proclaimed and glorified, regardless of the flawed instruments through whom it comes. Paul's joy, therefore, is rooted in the unwavering confidence that Christ will be exalted, a truth beautifully captured in his declaration in [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain"), "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

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

2 Corinthians 4:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

¶ 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;