The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: — Philippians 1:16
Paul further describes those with wrong motives. They preached Christ of contention, not sincerely. Their message may have been orthodox, but their spirit was corrupted. They hoped their activity would add affliction to Paul’s bonds. They wanted to make his burden heavier.
The phrase “not sincerely” carries the thought of impurity, like precious metal mixed with inferior alloy. There was truth in their preaching, but there was also jealousy mixed into it. They were not transparent before God. Their ministry wore a cloak. Their motives were hidden under outward activity.
What a sobering thought: a man can preach the right Christ with the wrong heart. He can deliver truth while being personally driven by pride, envy, or competition. That does not excuse the spirit, even if the words are correct.
Paul understood that some men wanted to wound him further. Perhaps they assumed their growing influence would pain him while he sat in prison. Perhaps they hoped their success would deepen his sorrow. But Paul would not allow himself to become consumed by personal offense.
Paul further describes those with wrong motives. They preached Christ of contention, not sincerely. Their message may have been orthodox, but their spirit was corrupted. They hoped their activity would add affliction to Paul’s bonds. They wanted to make his burden heavier.
The phrase “not sincerely” carries the thought of impurity, like precious metal mixed with inferior alloy. There was truth in their preaching, but there was also jealousy mixed into it. They were not transparent before God. Their ministry wore a cloak. Their motives were hidden under outward activity.
What a sobering thought: a man can preach the right Christ with the wrong heart. He can deliver truth while being personally driven by pride, envy, or competition. That does not excuse the spirit, even if the words are correct.
Paul understood that some men wanted to wound him further. Perhaps they assumed their growing influence would pain him while he sat in prison. Perhaps they hoped their success would deepen his sorrow. But Paul would not allow himself to become consumed by personal offense.