Philippians 1:15

Some in their bolder testimony are actuated by envy and strife; some by good will—he rejoices in the activity of both parties! (Philippians 1:18). Both, it is clear, are proclaiming a true gospel, and the Apostle's ill wishers cannot have been preaching the 'other (Judaising) gospel' condemned in Galatians 1:6. Personal dislike actuated the latter; they were jealous of St. Paul's ascendency, and regarded him as an interloper—a disposition only too natural in a Church of which he was not the founder: cp. Romans 15:15. These rivals meanly think to add affliction to his bonds—supposing that he would be chagrined by their success! They proclaim Christ therefore not sincerely (not in a pure spirit), but in pretence (Philippians 1:16; Philippians 1:18); and St. Paul, though glad that their work is making Christ's name more widely known, censures its motives. The better sort preach of love and in truth (with consistent motives), recognising in the prisoner-apostle the champion of the gospel. Observe the reversal in Philippians 1:16, according to RV, of the order of the two parties distinguished in Philippians 1:15.

§ 5. Philippians 1:18. With the last clause of Philippians 1:18 (before which it is better to place a full stop) St. Paul turns from the present to the future: Yes, and I will rejoice; for I know, etc. This (Philippians 1:19), like therein (Philippians 1:18), embraces the whole situation described in Philippians 1:12, which while furthering the gospel (Philippians 1:12) will turn to St. Paul's final salvation: cp. 1 Corinthians 9:23; 2 Timothy 4:18. In his humility, the Apostle regards this issue as depending on your supplication and ministty of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (cp. Galatians 3:5), of whose influence his friends' prayers bring him richer supplies: cp. 2 Thessalonians 3:11.