Bible Strands
Philippians 1:17
The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian church while imprisoned, noting that two factions are actively proclaiming Christ in his presence. He identifies one group as operating from selfish ambition rather than genuine devotion.
The words — The Greek ἐριθείας (eritheias) literally denotes factional strife or selfish ambition, directly modifying the motive behind those who καταγγέλλουσιν (katangellousin) Christ. This term isolates the divisive intent driving the proclamation of Χριστὸν (Christon).
The thread — The text explicitly contrasts these preachers with the latter group in Philippians 1:16, who preach in love. The rejection of this same ambition appears in Philippians 2:3, while the duty to preach despite opposition aligns with the obligations cited in 1 Corinthians 9:16 and 2 Timothy 1:11.
Why it lands — The passage first states that Christ is being proclaimed regardless of the preacher's motive, then notes Paul's rejoicing at that fact. A reader must separate the gospel's truth from the messenger's character and evaluate the work by its content rather than its origin.
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
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Cross-references
- Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
- 2 Timothy 1:11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
- 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
- 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
- Luke 21:14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
- Acts 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”
- Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
- Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
- Romans 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
- Galatians 2:7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.