Philippians 1:17 kjv
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Philippians 1:17 nkjv
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Philippians 1:17 niv
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Philippians 1:17 esv
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
Philippians 1:17 nlt
Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.
Philippians 1 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 4:3-7 | In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits... The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor... | Example of negative motives (envy, rivalry) leading to wrong actions and divine disfavor. |
| Prov 13:10 | Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. | Highlights that arrogant self-interest leads to strife. |
| Jer 17:9-10 | The heart is deceitful above all things... I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. | God knows and judges true intentions behind actions, contrasting outward appearance. |
| Matt 6:24 | No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. | Illustrates conflicting loyalties; one cannot serve Christ purely if self-ambition is the master. |
| Matt 7:22-23 | On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name...?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you...’ | Professing Christ with powerful deeds is meaningless if the heart's motive is wrong. |
| Acts 20:29-30 | I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you... even from your own group men will arise, speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. | Prophecy of internal challenges from those motivated by self-interest and division. |
| Rom 2:8 | but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. | Links self-seeking (eritheia) to disobedience and God's judgment. |
| 1 Cor 9:16-18 | For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting... for if I do this of my own will, I have a reward... but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. | Paul emphasizes preaching without charge and for Christ's sake, highlighting pure motives in ministry. |
| 1 Cor 13:1-3 | If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong... If I have all faith... and have not love, I am nothing. | Emphasizes that motives, especially love, define the worth of any spiritual action or gift. |
| 2 Cor 2:17 | For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word for profit, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. | Direct contrast to insincere preaching motivated by gain; advocates sincerity. |
| 2 Cor 4:2 | But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves... | Rejects dishonest and manipulative practices, asserting a pure and transparent ministry. |
| Gal 5:19-21 | Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality... discord, jealousy, fits of rage, rivalries (eritheia)... those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom. | Selfish ambition (eritheia) listed as a "work of the flesh," indicative of spiritual immaturity and disqualification. |
| Phil 1:15 | Some proclaim Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. | This verse immediately precedes and clarifies "the former," establishing the two groups based on their motives. |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition (eritheia) or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Directly condemns selfish ambition and exalts humility as the Christian norm for relationships. |
| Phil 2:14-15 | Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation... | Calls for pure and unblemished conduct, which stands in contrast to selfish and insincere actions. |
| Col 1:24 | Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. | Shows Paul's willingness to suffer for Christ, highlighting his sacrificial motives. |
| 1 Tim 6:3-5 | If anyone teaches a different doctrine... he is puffed up with conceit... obsessed with controversies... These are men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, supposing that godliness is a means of gain. | Describes those who preach for personal advantage, confirming that false motives often accompany false teaching. |
| 2 Tim 2:9-10 | for which I am suffering... like a criminal—to the point of chains—but God's word is not chained! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation... | Despite his literal chains, Paul's focus is on the unhindered gospel and the salvation of others, demonstrating pure resolve. |
| Jas 3:14-16 | But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (eritheia) in your hearts, do not boast and so lie against the truth... For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. | Emphasizes the destructive nature of selfish ambition within the community, connecting it to chaos and evil deeds. |
| 2 Pet 2:3 | And in their greed these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation has long been impending, and their destruction is not asleep. | Warns against those who exploit others and spread deception for selfish gain, connecting their actions to judgment. |
| 1 Jn 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. | Implies a need to discern not just what is said, but the spirit/motive behind the speaker. |
Philippians 1 verses
Philippians 1 17 Meaning
Philippians 1:17 describes the second group of gospel proclaimers in Rome, whom the Apostle Paul characterizes as acting out of selfish ambition and insincerely. Their underlying motivation is not pure devotion to Christ or sincere love for others, but a desire to challenge or trouble Paul, perhaps hoping to exacerbate his imprisonment.
Philippians 1 17 Context
Philippians 1:17 is nestled within Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer (Phil 1:3-11) and his discourse on his imprisonment serving to advance the gospel (Phil 1:12-26). Specifically, verses 15-18 discuss the varying motives of those who proclaim Christ while Paul is in chains. Paul differentiates between two groups: those preaching "from envy and rivalry" (mentioned in v.15 and detailed in v.17) and those preaching "from good will" or love (v.16). This verse illuminates the character and motivation of the former group. Despite their impure motives and antagonistic aims towards Paul, the astonishing point of this context (revealed in v.18) is Paul's joyful contentment that, regardless of the motive, Christ is proclaimed. The historical context is Paul's imprisonment (likely in Rome), from where he writes this letter. He is aware of both support and opposition, even from within the Christian community, and faces literal "chains" (desmois) while continuing his mission.
Philippians 1 17 Word analysis
The former: (Greek: οἱ μὲν - hoi men) This refers back to the first group mentioned in Phil 1:15, which proclaims Christ "out of envy and rivalry." It specifically sets them apart from the second group who preach out of good will and love (Phil 1:16). The use of the Greek article emphasizes a specific group previously introduced.
proclaim: (Greek: κηρύσσουσιν - kērussousin) This is in the present active indicative, denoting a continuous action. They are actively and consistently heralding or announcing Christ, highlighting that the content of their message itself is correct – it is Christ.
Christ: (Greek: τὸν Χριστόν - ton Christon) The Messiah, the Anointed One, the central figure of the Christian message. This signifies that even those with impure motives are nonetheless preaching the true message, highlighting the ironic twist Paul acknowledges later.
out of selfish ambition: (Greek: ἐξ ἐριθείας - ex erithenias) Eritheia denotes partisanship, self-seeking, rivalry, or factiousness. It's not ambition in a positive sense (like a strong desire to achieve something great), but a corrupt form driven by self-interest and a contentious spirit. It suggests an aim for personal prominence, power, or advantage, often at the expense of others, contrasting with the selfless ambition to glorify God. It's often found in Pauline lists of vices alongside malice and discord (e.g., Gal 5:20; Rom 2:8; Jas 3:14, 16).
not sincerely: (Greek: οὐχ ἁγνῶς - ouch hagnōs) Hagnōs means purely, unadulterated, unmixed, or innocently. The negation (ouch) clearly states the opposite: they preach without pure motives, without integrity, lacking genuineness. Their hearts are divided, their intent compromised, making their actions deceitful in character, despite the true content.
supposing that they can add to my chains: (Greek: οἰόμενοι θλίψιν ἐγείρειν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου - oiomenoi thlipsis egeirein tois desmois mou) This phrase encapsulates their specific antagonistic intent.
- supposing: (οἰόμενοι - oiomenoi) indicates their belief or expectation.
- add: (ἐγείρειν - egeirein) to raise up, stir up, or create.
- my chains: (τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου - tois desmois mou) Paul's literal imprisonment and bonds.
- to my chains / affliction: (θλίψιν - thlipsis) This is key. While some translations say "add to my chains," the word thlipsis more literally means "affliction," "distress," "tribulation," or "pressure." So, they aren't trying to add more physical chains to Paul, but rather to create more tribulation or distress for him while he is in chains. This could involve stirring up more legal trouble, discrediting him among the believers, or simply causing him mental anguish due to their divisive activities. Their motivation is not just self-promotion but actively causing discomfort and difficulty for Paul.
Proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely: This phrase contrasts the message's content (Christ) with the method and motivation (selfish ambition, insincerity). It highlights the theological tension of valid action performed with invalid intent. The gospel is proclaimed, but the proclaimers' internal state is corrupt.
Supposing that they can add to my chains: This entire clause reveals the antagonistic spirit. These individuals desire to worsen Paul's predicament or intensify his suffering while he is imprisoned, showing a direct malice rather than merely a misguided ambition. It illustrates the bitterness and rivalry stemming from their eritheia.
Philippians 1 17 Bonus section
The antagonists mentioned in Phil 1:17 demonstrate a classic example of envy and rivalry disrupting unity and integrity in ministry. Their motive to "add affliction" to Paul's imprisonment showcases a clear opposition not just to Paul's leadership but to the Spirit of Christ that governs selfless service. The irony here is profound: while their actions are intended to harm Paul, Paul ultimately reinterprets these actions as contributing, albeit unintentionally, to the advance of the gospel (Phil 1:12, 18). This demonstrates Paul's single-minded devotion to Christ's fame above his own comfort or reputation. It also serves as a strong prophetic warning against those in Christian ministry today whose primary motivation is self-promotion, power, or financial gain rather than sincere love for Christ and His Church, revealing how detrimental internal divisions fueled by selfish ambition can be to the spiritual health of a community.
Philippians 1 17 Commentary
Philippians 1:17 describes a disquieting reality within the early Christian community: not all who preach Christ do so with pure motives. This verse details those who preach "out of selfish ambition" and "not sincerely," motivated by a desire to cause Paul greater suffering while he is in prison. Their ambition is rooted in personal prominence, partisan gain, or envy, rather than genuine love for Christ or humanity. The term eritheia points to a divisive and self-serving spirit, alien to the selfless love of Christ. Yet, Paul's remarkable response, seen in the following verse (Phil 1:18), reveals his transcendent joy that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preacher's tainted motive. This highlights the sovereignty of God, who can use even flawed human endeavors to advance His kingdom. The verse is a powerful reminder to examine one's own motives in service to Christ and others, challenging us to prioritize pure devotion over self-serving endeavors, recognizing that only sincerity and genuine love bring true blessing and spiritual fruit.