Philippians 1:15-18
What is written? (ESV)
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice,
What does it say?
Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, while others do so from goodwill and love, knowing that I [Paul] am here to defend the gospel. Others proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, hoping to afflict me in my imprisonment. Even so, Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or truth, and in that I rejoice and will continue to rejoice.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is in prison in Rome and is uncertain of his future – whether release or death. He’s writing to the church in Philippi with greetings and encouragement.
How Philippians 1:15-18 is applied across Bible answers
Does God work through unrighteous political leaders?
While Paul is condemning the motives (personal righteousness) of some that preach the gospel, he rejoices that the gospel is still taught (importantly, they were teaching Truth as opposed to false doctrine). Granted, these were probably not political leaders, but Paul still distinguishes between their unrighteous motives and preaching truth/spreading the gospel message.
What are the qualifications for a preacher?
That Christ is proclaimed is the goal of preaching, even when the one preaching isn't acting from sincere or pure motives.
