Philippians 1:15

Some. This introduces another line of thought: the “some” are not to be included among the “many” of v. 14.

Preach Christ. Paul here refers to two classes who proclaim the name of the Saviour: (1) those who do so because of their jealousy of Paul; (2) those who do so from right motives. In both cases Christ is preached. It is therefore unlikely that the first class were Judaizers, who are never so described by Paul (see Vol. VI, pp. 33, 52-54).

Envy and strife. Or, “envy and rivalry.” The apostle does not mention the cause of this rivalry. It would seem, however, that even in Rome there was a party that was jealous of the influence of Paul, and supposed that this was a good opportunity to diminish his influence and to strengthen their own standing. He was imprisoned, and they had access to the mass of the people.

It was easy, under plausible pretenses, to insinuate that Paul had ambitious aims and exerted an improper influence, or to take strong ground against him in favor of their own views. They may even have agreed with him in doctrine, but have sought to damage him from personal enmity.

Since these men professed to preach Christ, it is difficult to analyze their motives. If there were a company of Jews who held the essential doctrines of the gospel, but were combative on matters of little importance, and at the same time were bitter against Paul because of his Gentile interests, then such a party might try to preach Christ and yet cherish toward Paul those evil feelings he ascribes to them.

Good will. Some increased their evangelistic activity out of good will for the apostle. These brethren had a special regard for Paul because of his important place in the evangelization of the world. They probably increased their activity because Paul’s had decreased. Such good will is the spirit that should be common to the brotherhood of the Christian ministry. When one laborer is laid aside, others should step forward to take his place and carry forward his work.