Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:16

What does Philippians 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:16 means

Those who preach from love do so because they understand Paul’s role: he is appointed to defend the gospel. They are allies, not competitors, and their ministry aligns with God’s purpose for Paul. Love desires the advancement of Christ’s cause, not personal status. These preachers strengthen the church and support Paul’s mission. Their motive reflects Christ’s own love, which seeks the good of others and the glory of God. In a time when Paul could feel isolated, their solidarity proves that God has raised up co-laborers who grasp the gravity of the gospel and the necessity of its faithful defense and confirmation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

These do it from love, conscious that I am responsible for the cause of the good news:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ do proclaim, not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

These indeed out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings;

Context

Paul now describes the first group introduced in verse 15—the well-motivated preachers. This prepares for the contrast in verse 17, where he will expose the ill-motivated group. The juxtaposition of love and selfish ambition reveals Paul’s concern for both the message and the heart behind it. This discussion sets up the surprising conclusion in verse 18: despite divergent motives, Paul rejoices because Christ is being announced.

v.15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

v.16This passage

v.17but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 1:10

    so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17

    For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

  • Philippians 1:12

    Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

  • Psalms 69:26

    For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; And they tell of the sorrow of those whom thou hast wounded.

  • Philippians 1:7

    even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:1

    Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

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