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NASB | 2 Timothy 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 2:25 He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], |
Subject: SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH |
Bible Note: Dear Bows44, I'm afraid that in your frustration, you are quoting and using Scripture out of context. Although Paul made note of those preaching Christ with wrong motives, he in no way condones our partaking in those same insincere acts. 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (15-18) Paul considers the motives of men in their preaching of the gospel Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife; their desire is to "surpass" Paul in ministry, and to promote their own name and place above Paul's. These people were glad Paul was imprisoned, because they felt this gave them a "competitive edge" over him in the "contest" of preaching the gospel; they were motivated by a competitive spirit (common among preachers!). Those preaching the gospel out of wrong motives are infected with selfish ambition, which makes them minister not sincerely. Ambition isn't necessarily bad; there is nothing wrong in wanting to be the best we can be for God. But selfish ambition is concerned most with being thought of by others as a success; pleasing man instead of God. Those who preach Christ from the wrong motives were supposing to add affliction to my [Paul's] chains; their competitive hearts didn't only want themselves to "win," they wanted Paul to "lose". They wanted Paul to endure the "humiliation" of having to admit that others were more effective to him (something Paul honestly didn't care about, not having a competitive spirit in ministry). Others, thankfully, were preaching the gospel out of good will, and out of love. So, people were preaching the gospel more energetically, motivated by Paul's imprisonment. Some were motivated in a good way, some were motivated in a bad way, but nonetheless they were motivated - and Paul could rejoice in that! Remember that Paul's concern here is not with the gospel that is being preached; only with the motives behind those who are preaching. Paul would object if he thought a false or distorted gospel was being preached, even if from the best of motives. (Galatians 1:6-9) If Paul's imprisonment could not hinder the gospel, neither could the wrong motives of some - God's work was still being done, and that was cause for rejoicing. Guzik, David. "Study Guide for Philippians Chapter 1." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 16 Aug 2005. WOS |