Philippians 1:15
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It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
"Some indeed are preaching Christ even for envy, that is, to carry out the envy which they felt towards Paul, on account of the success of the Gospel in the capital of the world, owing to his steadfastness in his imprisonment; they wished through envy to transfer the credit of its progress from him to themselves. Probably Judaizing teachers (Rom. 14:1-23; Co1 3:10-15; Co1 9:1, &c.; Co2 11:1-4). some also of--rather, "for" good will--answering to "the brethren" (Phi 1:14); some being well disposed to him.
Open source ↗He begins with the inscription and benediction (Phi 1:1, Phi 1:2). He gives thanks for the saints at Philippi (Phi 1:3-6). He speaks of his great affection and concern for their spiritual welfare (Phi 1:7, Phi 1:8), his prayers for them (Phi 1:9-11), his care to prevent their offence at his sufferings (Phi 1:12-20), his readiness to glorify Christ by life or death (Phi 1:21-26), and then concludes with a double exhortation to strictness and constancy (Phi 1:27-30).
Open source ↗1:15-18 some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry: They evidently were believers who were critical of Paul (cp. 2 Cor 10–13; Gal 4:12-20; 5:7-12). Even so, the message about Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.
Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.