***Philippines 1:16 (NLT) They preach because they love me, for…

***Philippines 1:16 (NLT) They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News.***

Those who preached Christ “with pure motives” (1:15) did so because of their love for Paul. They knew Paul was in prison, not because of any criminal act, but because the Lord brought him there to defend the Good News (see 1:7). Paul had landed in prison because of his devotion to Christ and his zeal to spread the gospel. Yet his fellow believers in Rome, some of whom may have been his spiritual children, fearlessly picked up where he left off, continuing and expanding his ministry.

Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude. He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of his imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves. Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the Good News was being preached. Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons. Paul wouldn’t condone, nor does God excuse, their motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives.