Philippians 1:17
“But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Others preach Christ out of love, understanding that Paul is appointed to defend the gospel.
What Does Philippians 1:17 Mean?
In contrast to the rivals stands the second group, who preached out of love. They understood Paul's true situation, that he was set in place by God for the defense of the gospel, and they labored to support that calling rather than undermine it.
Love sees rightly. These believers recognized that Paul's imprisonment was not a defeat but a divine appointment, and so they came alongside him. Where the others saw an opportunity for self-advancement, these saw a brother to be loved and a gospel to be defended. The same circumstance, Paul in chains, drew opposite responses depending on the heart. Love perceives God's hand in another person's hardship and responds with help, not rivalry.