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Some indeed preach Christ from envy and strife, but others from good will. (Philippians 1:15)

In verses 15 – 17, we find that Paul uses a method of writing called a prosapodosis.^[1] In verse 15, he states the two clauses, and then in verses 16 and 17 he goes back to repeat and explain.

Paul sets the two views – envy, strife, and good will. In verse 16, he will build on the latter and in verse 17 upon the former.

He uses two interesting words to describe those who proclaim the message out of envy and strife. The Greek word used for envy (φθόνος phthonos) carries the meaning of competitive jealousy, the feeling of displeasure produced by the prosperity of others. There is always an evil connotation attached to this word.

Should we be surprised that men would preach the message of the cross out of envy of someone else? We see even today the feelings of envy over a gift that God has bestowed upon another person. Every believer has, at least one gift^[2] that God chooses to give them. Often people become covetous over a gift that another has. Some will even slander and denounce those who are blessed by God in ways that they are not. We can see this even in Pastors who become envious of other ministries that they feel are more successful than they are. This often leads to division and slander between churches.

The word used for strife – Greek eris – means contentions, quarrels and rivalry. According to J. Vernon McGee, this word often refers to demons who stir up the strife.^[3] Envy and strife in a church can cause more damage than any outside influence could ever do. Still, the Apostle Paul said that some did this with good intentions. He continues to explain a little more.

More in-depth Insights

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and strife. Even in Rome, we find those who are jealous of what Paul has accomplished and his influence. Some were trying to weaken his influence and strengthen their name and reputation. Sadly, Paul did not have the freedom to go and argue against their evil objectives, showing the falseness of their conclusions. They could get before an enormous crowd of people. Under what would have seemed credible but was deceptive allegations, it was simple to imply with suggestions Paul’s supposed ambitious objectives or inappropriate authority. They could easily take a strong stand against Paul and put forward their own views. Although Paul does not mention this, there is a likelihood that these were Judaizing Christians while acknowledging Christianity, who also claimed that Paul’s views were offensive to the dignity and respect due to Moses and the Law.

But others from good will. From genuine motives, having no personal purposes they desired to accomplish, and in no way attempting to cause Paul any trouble.

[1] A prosapodosis is where after a mention of two or three words or subjects together, there is a return to them again, and they are repeated separately for purposes of definition and explanation.

[2] One can study more about the Spiritual Gifts bestowed upon believers in Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Ephesians.

[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, Vol. V, V vols. (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 1983). P. 297.