Philippians 1:15 “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
Speaking of those who were encouraged by Paul’s resilience in bonds (Philippians 1:12-15), “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will”. It seems that the basic nature of people in Biblical times was much the same as in our day. Some folks love to stir up “strife” and some love to promote “good will” among the Brethren. One group likes to “preach Christ of contention, not sincerely”; the other group rejoices to “preach Christ” “of love”. In all probability, the “strife” preachers were jealous of Paul’s ministerial gift, so they set out to best him by adding “affliction to” his “bonds”. But, those who loved Paul, loved him because he was “set for the defence of the gospel”. Paul did not return “strife” for “strife”; for, as Paul said, “whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice”. Let us humble ourselves, be faithfully strong in our commitment to our Lord, and do not waste our time on “strife”; but, spend our time striving for “good will” among the Brethren, encouraging one another in the service of our Lord, and preaching “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2). And, let our “glory” be “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14) and not in ourselves!