Book of Philippians - Chapter 1 - Verse 16

In this verse from the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul is expressing his frustration with certain individuals who are preaching about Christ with ulterior motives. These individuals are not preaching sincerely out of a genuine love for Christ, but instead, they are doing it out of selfish ambition or a desire to cause trouble for Paul, who is currently in prison. Paul is concerned that their preaching will only serve to make his current situation more difficult, adding to his "bonds" or imprisonment. This verse serves as a warning to all believers to be cautious of those who preach with impure motives and to always seek the truth in the message being delivered. It also highlights the importance of genuine sincerity and love in spreading the teachings of Christ, rather than using it as a means to further one's own agenda.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is addressing the behavior of certain individuals who are preaching about Christ out of rivalry and selfish ambition, rather than out of a genuine desire to spread the gospel. The word "contention" in this context can also be translated as "strife" or "selfish ambition," indicating that these individuals are motivated by personal gain or a desire to cause trouble for Paul. By preaching Christ in this manner, they are not only undermining the true message of the gospel but are also causing additional suffering for Paul, who is already in chains for his faith. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to examine their motives and intentions when sharing the gospel and to ensure that their actions are done out of love and sincerity, rather than out of selfish interests. Through a closer examination of the language and context of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preaching the gospel with pure motives and genuine love for God and others.