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Monthly Question Page
Q. Could you explain the following statement? “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife” (Philippians 1:15). How can a person preach in that way?
A. It seems that there were those in the time of Paul who were jealous of him for one reason or another. Perhaps it was because of his apostleship, or the prominent work and place the Lord had given him. Whatever the reason, it is evident that their hearts were out of communion with the “Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:2). Instead of being glad that Paul was being used mightily of God they tried to make things hard for him, hoping, as he says, “to add affliction to my bonds” (Philippians 1:16). What a sad and awful motive for preaching the gospel.
It is nice to see Paul’s reaction and attitude in this regard. “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). Paul knew that the Word of God would have its powerful effect no matter how it was spoken. And knowing this, he was content with any way that the gospel was propagated. The rest he left with the Lord.
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