Confusing Bible Passages

Why Would Paul Rejoice in Selfish Preachers: Understanding Philippians 1:15-17

¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. ¹⁶The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
Philippians 1:15-17

It’s confusing that Paul would take an attitude of, “It’s all good. People are talking about Jesus! That’s good news. Don’t worry about it!” This is what I’d always understood this passage to mean. Afterall, Paul was writing in a time when Christianity was brand new and people legitimately may not have ever heard of Jesus. So, even an incomplete or twisted gospel might be better than no gospel. Right?

In this post, I hope to address some of the options for what Paul meant. I’m honestly not sure yet which view I believe, but I know which one I don’t.

View 1: “At least Jesus is being proclaimed!”

This is how I’d understood this passage for years. Afterall, one of my good friends in college became a Christian after hearing a Mormon try to evangelize her… and she understood the true gospel through the distorted gospel that was presented to her. So, if God can do that through a Mormon evangelist, then God can still use an evangelist whose theology is heretical.

But this viewpoint simply doesn’t jibe with Paul’s other writings. He frequently calls out churches and evangelists whose gospels are twisted or incomplete. I have a hard time believing that Paul would say, “It’s all good… so long as Jesus is mentioned!” That simply doesn’t seem like an attitude Paul display anywhere else.

Think about this for a second. Paul spend entire letters warning churches about division and false teachers. I suspect we all know people who talk about Jesus and quote from the Bible, but their understanding of the gospel doesn’t quite line up with what Paul seems to teach. Paul has strong words for them elsewhere… it doesn’t make sense for him to say in Philippians 1:15-17 that their disagreements don’t matter.

View 2: Gospel Plagiarists

In the ancient world, rhetoric (the study and practice of public speaking) was a really big deal. Back then, good rhetoricians were like today’s Hollywood celebrities. They would make a living by traveling from city to city giving their speeches in the town square, like musicians who collect donations in their guitar cases. Except, this was a legitimate vocation that people would aspire to hold.

For these people, Christian evangelists provided a fresh subject to memorize and copy. Plagiarizing someone else’s sermon would essentially guarantee an itinerant speaker would have original material to share at the next city where he was visiting… and that would probably lead to better donations.

While I really like this option, it seems to crumble with v.17. The gospel plagiarists would be seeking selfish gain, but not trying to do Paul harm.

View 3: Rival Christian Groups

Consider the rival groups of Christians that seemed to be spreading throughout Macedonia and Greece, referenced in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. Paul undermines those allegiances by saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” This option claims the “Apollos vs Paul” debate was raging in Philippi and the surrounding region, not only in Corinth – a very reasonable and likely scenario.

So, according to this view, those who are preaching the gospel for selfish purposes in order to grow their group’s prominence while causing problems for Paul, who is in prison. This is the most popular interpretation.

View 4: Paul’s Opponents

It only makes sense that the people who are advocating for Pauls ongoing imprisonment to lead to death would be repeating his horrific blasphemies. This means they would be talking a lot about Jesus as the Son of God who has risen from the grave and as the returning king of creation. By telling everyone about Paul’s “heretical” teaching, they would actually be proclaiming the gospel to those who hear. And if that’s the case… then Paul is thankful for their help spreading the good news.

This view seems to reflect v.17’s statement, “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.” Their intent is not to make money, but to profit by eliminating Paul’s ongoing ministry. By doing him harm, they benefit because he’s out of the picture.

Conclusions & Application

It seems unlikely to me that view 1 is the way to go. This simply doesn’t align with what we know of Paul. Elsewhere he eviscerates the Judaizers for preaching a false gospel and says he wishes they’d castrate themselves (Galatians 1:6-7, 5:12)! I have a hard time believing this man who spent so much time training pastors and correcting their theology would embrace an attitude that says, “Meh… it’s close enough….”

This leaves views 2, 3, and 4. Honestly, I really like view 2, but the above section already highlights why it’s improbable. View 3 is the most well-attested viewpoint and seems to present the fewest problems, though view 4 is also a possibility. Given the relative proximity between Corinth and Philippi, and that Paul directly addresses the “Paul vs. Apollos” division in 1 Cor. 1:12, view 3 seems like it’s the most common interpretation for a good reason.

Pastoral application: If people are repeating your words and using them for selfish purposes, make sure they’re hearing and repeating the gospel. Don’t let yourself get so bogged-down by correcting their motives that you miss out on the reality that they’re unintentionally helping you… because your greatest desire spread the gospel (not your own fame).

December 4, 2020 0

Why Christians Eat Lobster While Obeying the Old Testament’s Sexual Laws

I received this question from a former student, “How do we decide what we follow from the Old Testament as modern Christians? For example, why can we cut our hearts but not support homosexuality?”

Great question. Tough question.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about how Christians view the Old Testament. It’s helpful to think in terms of covenants rather than testaments. Some people are saying we need to “unhinge” ourselves from it’s commandments completely, because the new covenant has made the old obsolete and defunct. In large measure, this is a reaction against those who have upheld the laws of the old covenant without viewing them through new covenant eyes. Christian tradition has consistently affirmed the goodness of the old covenant even while maintaining that we are now “under grace, not law.”

Continue reading “Why Christians Eat Lobster While Obeying the Old Testament’s Sexual Laws” →

November 13, 2018 6

What Jesus Meant by Entering the Kingdom as Children

I am convinced one of the most misunderstood Bible passages is where Jesus tells his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4) Why would Jesus say we need to enter the kingdom of heaven as children?

I’ve heard many explanations about how children are obedient and respectful, and so we should be the same way towards God. At the risk of sounding like a terrible parent, this simply isn’t how I’d describe my parenting experience. Being a father is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes it’s downright painful. Kids have a way of knowing they’re not in control but they keep grasping for authority.

Don’t we do that same thing to God? We know we aren’t in control, but we grab every opportunity whenever a window cracks open to exert our authority and try to grab control over life. Like the child who wants a suitable explanation for every decision, we keep asking God, “Why? Why? Why?” And if his answers are unacceptable (or if he simply says, “Because I said so.”) then we stomp our feet and look for someone else to tell us what we want to hear.

We don’t enter the kingdom of heaven as children because we have become so gentle and obedient. We enter as children because of our Heavenly Father. To boil it down is this: Christians have been adopted as children of God. This is why Jesus said you must be like a child to enter the kingdom.

When the disciples tried to keep the children from coming to Jesus, I am convinced that Jesus was urging his disciples to remember their status as disciples had nothing to do with their own importance. The disciples believed they were more important than those kids. But Jesus rebuked them and set them straight. Only those who are children of God will enter the Kingdom of God. It depends on their relationship with the Father, not because of their own value.

Remember, in the ancient world, children had barely any status – their value and importance came from their daddy. The good news of the gospel is this, “But to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Those who lay down their status and declare their only entrance into heaven comes from Jesus Christ their Savior (remember, the end of Mt. 17 emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God)… those are the people who will be given entrance. Salvation isn’t a result of works, it is a gift of grace because you have been adopted as a child of God (Eph 2:8-10).

So next time you hear someone talking about how Jesus wants us to be gentle and cuddly little kids, you can smile to yourself and say, “Yes, we should be that too. But we aren’t. In fact, lots of times we’re pretty disrespectful children. Praise be to God that he’s a gracious Father!”

October 17, 2017 0

Why Did Saul Become Paul?

“Saul was ashamed of his past, so he changed his name to Paul because Jesus gave him a new beginning.”

When it comes to the Apostle Paul’s name-change, this is the explanation I’ve heard many times. God did give Paul a new identity in Christ, but that didn’t wipe out or erase who he was before. Instead, we see many ways that Paul’s entire life prepared him for his ministry as an Apostle. Likewise, when someone becomes a Christian today, their life history doesn’t get erased and wiped away. Instead, God uses that to fuel their devotion to Christ and to equip them in ministry towards others.

Here’s why Saul’s name changes to Paul throughout the book of Acts and what we can learn from it today.

Continue reading “Why Did Saul Become Paul?” →

March 27, 2017 0

What is the Fear of the LORD?

What is the fear of the LORD? This is something many of us have heard about in church or read in the Bible, but it remains an abstract thought that we can’t clearly explain.

If “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), then it’s an important thing for us to understand what that means. Easton’s Bible Dictionary describes the fear of the LORD this way,

“It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread,
but rather filial reverence.”
(Easton Bible Dictionary)

So it’s not a fearful dread that creates distance. Instead, it’s a fear build on love and hope that draws near to God in worship, humility, and obedience. These are the three keys to understanding what the Bible means by “the fear of the LORD.”

Continue reading “What is the Fear of the LORD?” →

February 6, 2017 0

The Danger of Deceptive Godliness: Learning From Ananias & Sapphira

As other wealthier Christians were selling their land and donating the money to the church, Ananias and Sapphira saw their opportunity. They wanted to be a power couple in the early life of the church, and this would be how to get there. Perhaps their faith in Christ started off with better motives and they lost their way, but it seems their involvement in the church had become about themselves – not about God, and not about serving others. In the end, they were judged and put to death by God for their deceptive godliness.

question mark on sticky note — This is a Reader Question. You can submit your question by clicking the image above.

I am convinced every church has modern-day Ananias and Sapphiras. Their example reminds us that God cares about motives. It is good to give generously of your time, money, and talents in order to build up the church. However, it is evil to give those things because you want to be seen doing them. The Christian is called to self-forgetfulness, not self-promotion.

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January 23, 2017 0

Weird Bible Stories: When God Sent the Bears

The Bible has some really strange stories in it. There are some that you read and think, “Wait a minute. What?!” Yesterday at church I told a friend I had just written a post about this story and he said, “I have that story highlighted in my Bible. I have no idea what it means though!” Let’s explore one of the weirdest stories in the Bible.

He (Elisha) went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.
2 Kings 2:23-25, ESV

I remember reading this as a teenager and thinking, “What in the world is going on here! God had a bear eat 42 kids because they called someone bald?!” As always, reading this story in light of what came before and what comes after is the key to understanding what happened. We also need to know something about Bethel’s relationships with the prophets of God. Continue reading “Weird Bible Stories: When God Sent the Bears” →

October 3, 2016 0

What is “Sin that Leads to Death” in 1 John 5:16-17?

One of my favorite features on this site
is the reader questions, because I want this site to serve you. If there is something you’ve been wondering, please submit your questions HERE. You can search some of the other reader questions.

I would like to hear your insightful comment on 1 John 5:16 – 17 regarding sin that does not bring death and sin that does bring death. I welcome your perspective and clarification.

“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:16-17, ESV)

Context is King
As always, the best way to interpret Scripture is through understanding the context where the confusing passage occurs.

General Context: Faithfulness in the life of the Believer
Throughout the entire book of 1 John there is a strong emphasis on sin, confession, and faithfulness of believers. Over and over again Christians are described as those who do not sin. It’s important to realize in original languages, these verses use a grammatical structure which clearly implies a continual, ongoing habit of sinning. Some of these passages emphasizing the faithful Christian life are listed below.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1:5)

Everyone who make a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness…. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. (3:4 & 6)

If anyone says, ‘I love god,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (4:20)

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. (5:18)

Upon reading through 1 John it should be clear that it was written to a church who enduring conflict and division. The members are wandering away and arguing with each other. The fellowship is broken. John is encouraging the believers to walk in the truth by loving one another as an expression of their love for God. True Christians endure – they don’t walk in habitual sinfulness, and they don’t abandon the family of God. This is a clear and consistent call throughout the book of 1 John, and this sets the context for 1 John 5:16-17.

Continue reading “What is “Sin that Leads to Death” in 1 John 5:16-17?” →

September 19, 2016 0

Who are the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6:1-4?

This is the first post in what I hope to become a semi-regular feature here at Living Theologically… reader questions. If there’s something you’ve been wondering or confused about, please go HERE to submit your question.

Here’s today’s question:
Who are the “sons of God” & the Nephilim in Genesis 6:1-4?

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown

This is a strange passage of Scripture which has confused Jewish and Christian believers for centuries. By no means do I profess to have it all “figured out,” but after studying this passage in seminary and over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded that we only lose when we avoid difficult portions of the Bible.

Continue reading “Who are the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6:1-4?” →

August 8, 2016 0

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