The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Parallel translations
- WEB The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
- KJV The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
- NKJV The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
- NASB the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
- NLT They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The ill-motivated preach Christ from selfish ambition, hoping to add to Paul's distress. Their aim is rivalry, not love.
Overview
These preachers proclaim the true message but with the wrong heart, trying to stir up trouble for the imprisoned apostle. Their selfish ambition contrasts sharply with the love Paul commends in the next verse. The passage warns that right doctrine can coexist with sinful motives.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- 2 Cor 4:1–2Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.
- 2 Cor 2:17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
- Phil 1:10so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
- Job 6:14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
- Phil 1:7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- Phil 1:12Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.
- Ps 69:26For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded.
- Job 16:4I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
How Philippians 1:16 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.