Paragraph 1:15–18d

Some Christians were jealous of Paul, but this caused them to proclaim the good news more, and so he was rejoicing.

1:15–17 contains a figure of speech called a “chiasmus.” A chiasmus is the ordering of information in a mirror image, like the pattern a-b-b-a. The chiasmus in 1:15–17 refers to two groups of people. The first part of the passage refers to the same people as the fourth part does, and the second part refers to the same people as the third part does. Here is an example using summary statements:

┌ 15a Some preach about Christ out of envy

│┌ 15b Others ⌊preach about Christ⌋ out of goodwill

│└ 16 The latter do so in love

└ 17a The former preach about Christ out of selfish ambition

See “General Comment” on 1:15–17 regarding the possible need to reorder this section in your translation.

1:15a

It is true that: This translates a Greek particle used at the beginning of a contrast. Another such particle is used in 1:15b for the other half of the contrast (see “but”). Together they mean “on the one hand…on the other hand.” Do not try to translate this statement as referring to the truth of Paul’s words. Instead, use an expression that indicates the first half of a contrast.

some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry: Paul referred here and in 1:17 to certain Christians who were causing him trouble. These are probably some of the same people mentioned in 1:15. Apparently they wanted to have more followers than Paul.

preach Christ: This means to preach about Christ. Despite their wrong motives these people were believers who were announcing the message about Jesus Christ. Since Paul rejoiced that they were preaching, it appears that what they were saying about Christ was true (1:18d).

out of: This means “because of, motivated by” and introduces the reasons why some people were preaching about Christ.

envy: This refers to feeling ill-will toward someone because of his good fortune. These people were jealous of what Paul had done and that he had been more successful than they were.

rivalry: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates rivalry refers to the strife that envy causes. These people wanted to gain more disciples than Paul had. They wanted to surpass him and appear to others as more successful and important.

1:15b

but: This represents the second of two Greek particles that indicate the contrast between the two groups of people. See the “It is true that” note in 1:15a.

out of: This again means “because of, motivated by.” The reason for their preaching was these believers’ goodwill toward Paul.

goodwill: The word goodwill means that these believers liked Paul and wanted to help him spread the gospel. They were preaching with good intentions.

One way you could translate 1:15b is:

Others preach about Christ to help ⌊me and the work of the gospel⌋.

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