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Philippians 1 · a question people ask

"Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife" (1:15). Who were they?

In the text

The chapter doesn't say. It says only, "Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will." (1:15), and "The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains" (1:16). It gives no names. These notes don't name them, don't say whether the letter speaks of the same people anywhere else, and apply the words to no preacher, church or group today.

The verses

“Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;”
Philippians 1:15-16 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Philippians 1

Philippians 1: Partners in the Good News

Philippians 1 has bonds three times and chains once, the same Greek noun each time (1:7, 1:13, 1:14, 1:16), and still says "the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News" (1:12). Of Christ proclaimed it says, "I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice." (1:18).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions