The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment — those motivated by eritheia (selfish ambition, faction) are not insincere about Christ but about their motives: they preach from personal advantage-seeking. 'Thinking they will cause me trouble' (oiomenoi thlipsin egeirein) suggests they hope rival preaching will distress Paul in his chains. Yet Paul's response will be remarkable: he rejoices anyway.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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