What does Philippians 1:16 mean?

Paul says those who preach the gospel from proper motivations do so out of love. These individuals knew Paul was imprisoned specifically because he had upheld the gospel against those who opposed it. Paul had mentioned defending the gospel in verse 7. This gospel was so important that he mentions it six times in this first chapter alone. Paul will refer to Timothy serving with him in the gospel (Philippians 2:22), women and men who served with him in the gospel (Philippians 4:3), and mentions the "beginning of the gospel" (Philippians 4:15).

In 1 Peter 3:15 we are also taught, "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." Believers are called both to present and defend Christianity effectively, and respectfully, to help bring people to faith in Christ and help equip believers to grow in their knowledge of God. Part of doing that, in truth, is doing so out of love and concern, not selfish ambition.