Philippians 1:16

¹⁴ And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

¹⁷ The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.

¹⁸ What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
KJV: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
WEB: The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
ASV: the one [do it] of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;
DARBY: These indeed out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings;
BLB: the ones indeed out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

ÅB: men hine gjør det av trettesyke, ikke med ren hu, idet de mener å legge trengsel til mine lenker.
OTB: De sistnevnte gjør det av kjærlighet, fordi de vet at jeg er satt til forsvar for evangeliet.
B1930: men hine gjør det av trettesyke, ikke med ren hu, idet de mener å legge trengsel til mine lenker.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

2 Corinthians 4:1–2
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Read in context
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.
Read in context
Philippians 1:10
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Read in context
Philippians 1:12
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.
Read in context
Psalms 69:26
For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded.
Read in context
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
Read in context
Job 6:14
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Read in context
Job 16:4
I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.
Read in context