But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

PHILIPPIANS 1:17KJV
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Philippians 1:17 (KJV)

What does Philippians 1:17 mean?

Philippians 1:17 describes how some people preach about Christ out of genuine love, understanding that Paul is in prison because he is determined to defend the message of the gospel. These people are motivated by care for Paul and support for his mission, not by rivalry or selfish reasons.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Philippi while he is imprisoned. He is explaining that while some preach Christ with wrong motives, others do so out of love, recognizing his commitment to defending the gospel. This verse highlights the difference in motives among those spreading the Christian message during Paul’s imprisonment.

The Greek behind Philippians 1:17

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, "love"): This word refers to selfless, sacrificial love. Paul points out that some preach Christ out of this kind of love, showing their sincere support for him and the gospel.
  • εἰδότες (eidotes, "knowing"): The Greek here means more than just knowing a fact; it carries the sense of understanding or being aware. These people grasp why Paul is imprisoned and support him because of it.
  • κεῖμαι (keimai, "set"): This word often means to be appointed or placed. Paul is saying he is set or appointed for the defense of the gospel, not just accidentally in prison.
  • ἀπολογία (apologia, "defence"): This word means a formal defense, like in a courtroom. Paul sees his imprisonment as a chance to formally defend and explain the gospel message.

Why Philippians 1:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not everyone spreading the message of Christ does so with the same motives; some are genuinely motivated by love and understanding of Paul’s mission.
  • The verse emphasizes Paul’s sense of purpose in his imprisonment, showing he views his situation as an opportunity to defend the gospel, not just as suffering.
  • In the wider context, this helps explain Paul’s attitude toward those who preach Christ from different motives, and why he can rejoice even when some do so for the wrong reasons.

Where else these words appear

“defence” Greek G627 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
  • Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

“set” Greek G2749 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
  • John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

“love” Greek G26 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.