Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The verse reflects Paul as an aged prisoner at Rome observing how others preached Christ during his imprisonment. Some preached Christ from envy and strife in order to add affliction to his bonds, while others preached from good will. Even preaching done in pretense still resulted in Christ being preached. Through his imprisonment the gospel was spread abroad and souls were won for Christ even in the palace of the Caesars. Reproach and persecution magnify the name of Christ and save souls, and efforts to destroy the gospel only sow the incorruptible seed of the word of God more widely in human hearts.
Preaching Christ from contention or strife is not a faithful way to advance God's truth. Such a course can turn the conflict against the preacher and advance the enemy's cause. Christian service must come from duty, humility, and reliance on God, not from self-sufficiency or a contentious spirit.
The verse reflects Paul as an aged prisoner at Rome observing how others preached Christ during his imprisonment. Some preached Christ from envy and strife in order to add affliction to his bonds, while others preached from good will. Even preaching done in pretense still resulted in Christ being preached. Through his imprisonment the gospel was spread abroad and souls were won for Christ even in the palace of the Caesars. Reproach and persecution magnify the name of Christ and save souls, and efforts to destroy the gospel only sow the incorruptible seed of the word of God more widely in human hearts.
Preaching Christ from contention or strife is not a faithful way to advance God's truth. Such a course can turn the conflict against the preacher and advance the enemy's cause. Christian service must come from duty, humility, and reliance on God, not from self-sufficiency or a contentious spirit.