Bible Dictionary
AMBITIOUS
In older translations, ambitious can mean earnestly striving or making something one’s aim. Christians are urged to aim at pleasing God, living quietly, and proclaiming the gospel.
Definition
Ambitious, in the older biblical usage, means strongly desirous, earnestly striving, or making something one’s aim. It does not necessarily describe selfish desire for prominence.
Biblical Usage
The word is used as a marginal rendering in passages urging believers to aim at bringing good tidings, being well-pleasing to God whether at home or absent, and living quietly.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>am-bish'-us (philotimeomai, "to be strongly desirous," "strive earnestly," "make it one's aim"): Given as a marginal reading in Ro 15:20 ("being ambitious to bring good tidings"), 2Co 5:9 ("We are ambitious, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him"), and 1Th 4:11 ("that ye be ambitious to be quiet").</p>