John Calvin Commentary Philippians 1:16

"the one [do it] of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;" — Philippians 1:16 (ASV)

Some, I say, from contention. Here we have a lengthened detail, in which he explains more fully the preceding statement; for he repeats that there are two classes of men who are stirred up by his bonds to preach Christ — the one influenced by contention, that is, by depraved affection — the other by pious zeal, desiring to maintain with him the defense of the gospel. The former, he says, do not preach Christ purely, because it was not a right zeal. For the term does not apply to doctrine, because it is possible that the man who teaches most purely may, nonetheless, not be of a sincere mind. Now, that this impurity was in the mind, and did not show itself in doctrine, may be inferred from the context. Paul assuredly would have felt no pleasure in seeing the gospel corrupted; yet he declares that he rejoices in the preaching of those persons, even though it was not simple or sincere.

It is asked, however, how such preaching could be injurious to him? I answer that many occasions are unknown to us, since we are not acquainted with the circumstances of the times. It is asked further, “Since the gospel cannot be preached but by those who understand it, what motive induced those persons to persecute the doctrine of which they approved?” I answer that ambition is blind; indeed, it is a furious beast.

Hence it is no wonder if false brethren snatch a weapon from the gospel for harassing good and pious pastors. Paul, assuredly, says nothing here of which I have not myself had experience. For there are living even today those who have preached the gospel with no other design than to gratify the rage of the wicked by persecuting pious pastors. As to Paul’s enemies, it is important to observe, if they were Jews, how mad their hatred was, so that they even forgot on what account they hated him. For while they made it their aim to destroy him, they exerted themselves to promote the gospel, for which they were hostile to him; but they imagined, no doubt, that the cause of Christ would stand or fall in the person of one individual. If, however, there were envious persons, who were thus hurried away by ambition, we ought to acknowledge the wonderful goodness of God, who, notwithstanding, gave such a prosperous issue to their depraved affections.