Definition: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Philippians 1:16. It's a really interesting and somewhat unusual statement! Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the speaker (likely Paul) believes that someone is trying to promote Christ (Jesus) in a way that’s not genuine or heartfelt – they’re trying to cause trouble or hardship for him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The one preach Christ of contention…” This means the person preaching about Christ is not doing it with sincerity and love. They’re focused on causing problems or distress. It suggests they might be trying to stir up conflict or anger. "...not sincerely..." This is key! The speaker isn't genuinely believing in Christ. Their motivation isn’t rooted in a true desire for connection with God or for the good of others. "...supposing to add affliction to my bonds:” This is where it gets more complex and symbolic. "Affliction" means hardship, suffering, or difficulty. “My bonds” refers to Paul's imprisonment. So, this person is hoping to cause Paul pain and distress – maybe through manipulative tactics or trying to undermine his work. Overall Meaning: Paul isn’t criticizing the person preaching about Christ; he’s criticizing the way they’re doing it. He's saying that someone is trying to use Christ in a way that's not genuine, and they are actively seeking to cause him pain. Important Context (Why this verse was written): Paul was imprisoned in Philippi, and he was facing significant challenges. This verse reflects his struggle with the situation and his desire for those who were listening to him to be truly faithful to Christ. It’s a reminder that true faith isn't about promoting things for personal gain; it's about serving God and others with love and humility. In short, this verse warns against someone trying to manipulate or exploit Christ’s message for their own benefit. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Philippians 1? Discuss the historical context a bit more deeply? Translate it into simpler language?