Philippians 1:15
New International Version
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

New Living Translation
It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.

English Standard Version
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

Berean Standard Bible
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

Berean Literal Bible
For some, even from envy and strife, are proclaiming Christ, but some also from goodwill--

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

New King James Version
Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:

New American Standard Bible
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill;

NASB 1995
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

NASB 1977
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

Legacy Standard Bible
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

Amplified Bible
Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].

Christian Standard Bible
To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will.

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

Contemporary English Version
Some are preaching about Christ because they are jealous and envious of us. Others are preaching because they want to help.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some people tell the message about Christ because of their jealousy and envy. Others tell the message about him because of their good will.

Good News Translation
Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will.

International Standard Version
Some are preaching the Messiah because of jealousy and dissension, while others do so because of their good will.

Majority Standard Bible
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

NET Bible
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill.

New Heart English Bible
Some indeed proclaim Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.

Webster's Bible Translation
Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife; and some also from good will.

Weymouth New Testament
Some indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and contentiousness but there are also others who do it from good will.

World English Bible
Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through goodwill, preach the Christ;

Berean Literal Bible
For some, even from envy and strife, are proclaiming Christ, but some also from goodwill--

Young's Literal Translation
Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ;

Smith's Literal Translation
And some truly by envy and strife, and some also by kindness of disposition, proclaim Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Some indeed, even out of envy and contention; but some also for good will preach Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Certainly, some do so even because of envy and contention; and others, too, do so because of a good will to preach Christ.

New American Bible
Of course, some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others from good will.

New Revised Standard Version
Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
While some of them preach only because of envy and strife; others preach Christ in good will and love:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And some men are preaching The Messiah out of envy and contention, and some in good will and in love,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Some, indeed, preach the Christ, because of envy and a contentious disposition, and some because of good-will.

Godbey New Testament
Some indeed through envy and strife, and some through good will, are preaching Christ:

Haweis New Testament
Some indeed do it in a spirit of envy and strife; but some also preach Christ with cordial good-will:

Mace New Testament
it is true, there are some who preach Christ out of a spirit of envy and contention; but others do it out of pure affection.

Weymouth New Testament
Some indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and contentiousness but there are also others who do it from good will.

Worrell New Testament
Some, indeed, preach Christ even because of envy and strife; and some also of good-will;

Worsley New Testament
Some indeed through envy and strife, and some also through good-will:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Trials Advance the Gospel
14And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:12-17
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” / Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? / I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, ...

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Galatians 1:6-9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

1 Corinthians 3:3-4
for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? / For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Isaiah 56:10-11
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:


Treasury of Scripture

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

preach.

Philippians 1:16,18
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: …

Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:5,35
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them…

even.

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Romans 16:17,18
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them…

and.

Philippians 1:17
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

1 Peter 5:2-4
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; …

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Actually Christ Competition Contention Envy Good Goodwill Good-Will Heart Indeed Others Preach Preaching Rivalry Strife Sure True.
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Actually Christ Competition Contention Envy Good Goodwill Good-Will Heart Indeed Others Preach Preaching Rivalry Strife Sure True.
Philippians 1
1. Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,
9. daily praying for their increase in grace;
12. he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;
21. and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;
27. exhorting them to unity;
28. and to fortitude in persecution.














It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill
It is true
This phrase establishes a foundation of certainty and acknowledgment. In the Greek, the word used here is "men," which often serves to affirm a statement. Paul is addressing a reality within the early Christian community, acknowledging the complexities and mixed motives that can exist even among those who proclaim the Gospel. This acknowledgment is a reminder of the human condition and the presence of sin, even within the church.

that some preach Christ
The focus here is on the act of preaching Christ, which is central to the mission of the church. The Greek word for "preach" is "kērussō," meaning to proclaim or herald. This term was often used in the context of a royal proclamation, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. Despite the varied motives, the centrality of Christ in the message remains paramount, underscoring the power and sovereignty of the Gospel.

out of envy and rivalry
The words "envy" and "rivalry" highlight the sinful motivations that can infiltrate ministry. "Envy" in Greek is "phthonos," which denotes a resentful awareness of another's advantage. "Rivalry," or "eris," suggests contention and strife. Historically, these attitudes were not uncommon in the early church, as seen in other Pauline letters where divisions and personal ambitions are addressed. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to examine their hearts and ensure their motives align with the love and humility of Christ.

but others out of goodwill
In contrast, "goodwill" represents pure and sincere intentions. The Greek word "eudokia" conveys a sense of delight and benevolence. This phrase highlights the presence of those who preach with genuine love and a desire to serve God and others. It reflects the ideal Christian attitude, one that seeks to glorify God and edify the church. Historically, this goodwill is seen in the selfless acts of early Christians who spread the Gospel despite persecution.

(15) Of envy and strife.--Explained below as of "contention," or, more properly (as in Philippians 2:3, and in Romans 2:8; 2Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20), of factiousness, or "party spirit." It seems impossible to doubt that this refers to the Judaising party, St. Paul's old antagonists. The whole tenor of the Epistle to the Romans shows how strong a Judaic element there was in Roman Christianity. Even in approaching Rome, we may gather from Acts 28:15, that the Apostle had felt doubtful of his reception there by the Church. His formal renunciation of the obstinate Jews, and proclamation that the Gentiles would hear what they had rejected, might excite against him not only the unbelieving Jews, but the Jewish and still more the Judaising Christians. The party "of Cephas" and the party "of Paul" might be placed in strong antagonism more easily than even at Corinth.

Verse 15. - Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife. The Judaizing party, whom St. Paul censures in Philippians 3:2, preached Christ, but not from pure motives. Like the writers of the pseudo-Clementines, they envied St. Paul, and in the wicked madness of the odium theologicum, they wished to distress St. Paul, to depreciate his preaching, and to exalt their own. And some also of good will. The word generally means God's good pleasure, as in Philippians 2:13, but here simply good will, benevolence towards St. Paul.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
It is true that
μὲν (men)
Conjunction
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

some
Τινὲς (Tines)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

preach
κηρύσσουσιν (kēryssousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

Christ
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

out of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

envy
φθόνον (phthonon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5355: Envy, a grudge, spite. Probably akin to the base of phtheiro; ill-will, i.e. Jealousy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

rivalry,
ἔριν (erin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2054: Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[others]
τινὲς (tines)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

out of
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

goodwill.
εὐδοκίαν (eudokian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2107: From a presumed compound of eu and the base of dokeo; satisfaction, i.e. delight, or kindness, wish, purpose.


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NT Letters: Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even out (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 1:14
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