1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not {l} sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

(l) Not with a pure mind: for otherwise their doctrine was pure.

1:16 The one preach Christ from contention, not sincerely. Not from sincere love of the gospel, but from a factious spirit. While preaching, they sought to undermine Paul's influence,

supposing to add affliction to my bonds. For an illustration of this class, read the first and second chapters of Galatians.

1:15-16 Some indeed preach Christ out of contention - Envying St. Paul's success, and striving to hurt him thereby. Not sincerely - From a real desire to glorify God. But supposing - Though they were disappointed. To add more affliction to my bonds - By enraging the Romans against me.

1:12-20 The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt, and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering for him.



BibleBrowser.com