Philippians 1:16

The one preach Christ, &c. There is good critical evidence for reading Philippians 1:16-17 in the opposite order to that of the A.V. Render, with R.V., The one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, &c. It is possible to render, with Bp Ellicott, "Those who are (men) of love, do it, &c.… but those who are (men) of faction, &c." But this puts a certain strain on the Greek, and is not requiredby the context.

preach Better, with R.V., proclaim; not the same verb as that rendered "preach" just above. It is a word of slightly greater force.

contention Better, faction, or rather factiousness, partizanship. The Greek word means first, "work for hire"; passes thence by usage into special political references, denoting hired canvassing, or other interested party-work; and lastly emerges into the present meaning. It is used similarly Romans 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; below, Philippians 2:3 (where see note); James 3:14; James 3:16.

sincerely Lit. purely.

to add affliction to my bonds So the Received Text. But a better reading gives to raise up. The R.V. gives a good paraphrase; thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. So Alford. Lightfoot suggests the paraphrase, "thinking to make my chains gall me," the word rendered "affliction" meaning literally "rubbing," or "pressure." (The Vulgate here has pressura, a word which easily bears, however, a non-physical meaning.) But the suggestion seems to us not altogether probable.

How did the persons in question expect to "raise up trouble" for the imprisoned Apostle? By preventing the access of enquirers or converts to him, unable as he was to go after them. Loyal fellow-workers would have made it a point to bring their hearers under the personal influence of the great Messenger of Christ, and also into a connexion of order with him. Every instance in which the opposite was done was fitted to try severely the spirit of St Paul; to afflict him in and through his position of restraint.