Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:15

What does Philippians 1:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:15 means

Paul acknowledges that Christ is being preached from different motives. Some are driven by envy and rivalry, perhaps seeking to outshine Paul or undermine his influence. Others preach from good will, genuinely wanting Christ to be known and the church strengthened. The content—Christ—is central, but God also sees motives. Paul is realistic: ministry can be marred by jealousy even while the message remains true. Yet he does not let the sins of some mute the joy produced by the faithfulness of others. He refuses to be drawn into personal competition, keeping his focus on the spread of the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Though some are preaching Christ out of envy and competition, others do it out of a good heart:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Some indeed, even out of envy and contention: but some also for good will preach Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Some indeed also for envy and strife, but some also for good will, preach the Christ.

Context

After noting increased boldness among believers (verse 14), Paul differentiates the motives animating this preaching surge. Verses 16–17 will clarify the two groups: those acting in love, aware of Paul’s calling, and those acting out of selfish ambition to afflict him. This distinction highlights Paul’s mature perspective, which culminates in verse 18 where he rejoices that, in any case, Christ is being proclaimed.

v.14and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

v.15This passage

v.16the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 5:42

    And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:19

    For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yea and nay, but in him is yea.

  • Galatians 2:4

    and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20

    For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

  • Acts 9:20

    And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Philippians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Philippians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Philippians 1:15.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary