Bible Strands
Philippians 1:15
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian church while under house arrest, addressing the mixed motives of those preaching in his absence.
The words — φθόνον (phthonon) and ἔριν (erin) literally denote envy and strife, describing the selfish drivers behind some ministers' work.
The thread — This tension between divisive motives and gospel-centered humility recurs in Romans 16:17, Philippians 2:3, and 2 Corinthians 4:5.
Why it lands — The text states that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preacher's character, demanding a plain examination of personal motives before concluding that Christ is proclaimed, regardless of the preacher's character.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Cross-references
- Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
- Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
- 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- Matthew 23:5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
- 2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”
- Philippians 1:16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
- James 4:5 Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?