Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:17

What does Philippians 1:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:17 means

The other group proclaims Christ out of self-seeking factionalism, not sincerely. They imagine that their activity will increase Paul’s distress while he is in chains—perhaps by stirring competition or suspicion. Their message about Christ may be accurate, but their intent is harmful. Paul recognizes the reality of impure motives within ministry without abandoning the value of the message. This sober acknowledgment cautions against measuring faithfulness by prominence or noise. Even so, Paul will not let their schemes dominate his outlook. He entrusts such matters to God, while keeping his eyes on the larger outcome: Christ is still being made known.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But those are preaching Christ in a spirit of competition, not from their hearts, but with the purpose of giving me pain in my prison.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the other out of love, having known that for defence of the good news I am set:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing that they raise affliction to my bands.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but those out of contention, announce the Christ, not purely, supposing to arouse tribulation for my bonds.

Context

This verse completes the contrast begun in verses 15–16, naming the selfishly motivated preachers and their hoped-for effect on Paul. The stage is set for verse 18, where Paul gives his surprising response—joy that Christ is proclaimed regardless. Then, in verses 19–20, he will express confidence that the situation will result in his salvation and that Christ will be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death.

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

v.17This passage

v.18What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 1:13

    And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:16

    For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.

  • Acts 26:24

    And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad.

  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.

  • 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.

  • Galatians 2:7

    but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision

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