Philippians 1:17 - Meaning and Context

Philippians 1:17 is a verse from the book of Philippians in the New Testament. "The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I .. Read the full text below in 6 translations (NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, NASB) with context, meaning, and application.

"The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains."
Philippians 1:17 (NIV)

How does Philippians 1:17 read in different translations?

NIV

"The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains."

KJV

"But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel."

ESV

"The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment."

NLT

"Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me."

MSG

"The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them."

NASB

"the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment."

What is the context of Philippians 1:17?

Philippians 1:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Philippians. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the Philippians chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.

What does Philippians 1:17 mean?

"The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I ..." — Philippians 1:17 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.

How can I apply Philippians 1:17 to my life today?

As you reflect on Philippians 1:17, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.

What is a prayer based on Philippians 1:17?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Philippians 1:17. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Philippians 1:17 mean?

"The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I ..." — Philippians 1:17 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.

What is the context of Philippians 1:17?

Philippians 1:17 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Philippians. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the Philippians chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.

How does Philippians 1:17 read in other translations?

Philippians 1:17 is available in 6 translations on Bible Verse Randomizer: NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB. Each translation offers unique insights — compare them all on the Philippians 1:17 comparison page.

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