The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers.
The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us.
Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant.
There is a tragic illustration of this principle in the Old Testament. David has become king of Israel, and along the way has acquired several wives. One of his wives was the mother of a young man named Amnon, and another was the mother of a beautiful young woman named Tamar.
This story is part of a much larger story having to do with David’s own sinful behavior towards Bathsheba. In this story, David’s lust for his neighbor’s wife is mirrored by his son, who “loved” his sister, Tamar.
The word “love” is in quotation marks because it is not the kind of love that God approves of outside of marriage. Amnon’s love for his sister was a sexual love. As the story progresses, Amnon develops a plot to entice Tamar into his bedroom, where he rapes her. Having acted on the desires of his flesh, his feelings suddenly change.
“Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her.” (2 Samuel 13:15)
God’s love (agapē) is never like that. God’s love is not driven by the passions of the flesh. Instead, it represents pure affection for a person. Agapē desires only the best for that person and is not put off by errors or mistakes. Agapē is unconditional love.
The people Paul is referring to preach Christ out of “goodwill” (Philippians 1:15). Their love for Christ is intermingled with their love for Paul and for the Gospel. They desire only to serve others.
We can only imagine what it must have been like to love Paul for bringing the Gospel of Christ and to see him kept in chains. All he wanted was to help people know Jesus, and here he was, like an eagle chained to a post.
Those who preached Christ out of love were likely motivated not only by their love for Jesus but their love for Paul. Desiring to carry on his work for him, they did just that.
Application: Paul is no longer in chains, but neither is he able to continue preaching the Gospel. It is up to us to do so out of love.
Food for Thought: How is the “defense of the Gospel” different than preaching the Gospel?
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I think the main difference between the “defense of the Gospel” and preaching the Gospel is the “defense of the Gospel” is defending the purity of the message of Jesus Christ. As Paul defended against, people will add to it or take away from it, thus changing it from the gift of salvation and justification by faith to salvation and justification by works. Also salvation and justification through Christ is to fulfill the intent of God to restore a personal relationship with Him through Christ, and not to gain here in the world, to turn His grace into an enrichment of self, or permission to act selfishly, but rather to be good stewards of the grace God has given us to help others in love.
Preaching of the Gospel is to help others in beginning and continuing their relationship with Christ. I once was lost, now I am found, and I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I put my faith in Him, but I still need to hear the preaching of the Gospel all day, everyday so that I can continue to live up to the grace I have received, and grow in grace and knowledge so that my relationship with Him grows and I can become more Christ-like.
Thank you Chris!
You point us to a plurality of perversions where the Gospel is twisted into ungodly shapes. It is so important to remember that salvation is in Jesus alone.
Good distinctions CH.
Yes, I think the defense of the gospel is giving reasons why it is true (1 Peter 3: 15; Colossians 4; 5 – 6); while the proclamation of the gospel is for the purpose of seeing a heart change due to receiving its truth (Romans 1: 16).
They are connected though. Both are done with the hope of another seeing its truth and responding in saving faith. One may be seen as more defensive and the other offensive, but both are done to glorify Christ through making Him known.
Thank you Rich!
Interesting distinction!