Philippians 1:18

KJV

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} then {G1063}? notwithstanding {G4133}, every {G3956} way {G5158}, whether {G1535} in pretence {G4392}, or {G1535} in truth {G225}, Christ {G5547} is preached {G2605}; and {G2532} I {G5463} therein {G1722}{G5129} do rejoice {G5463}, yea {G235}, and {G2532} will rejoice {G5463}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But so what? All that matters is that in every way, whether honestly or in pretense, the Messiah is being proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Berean Standard Bible

What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

American Standard Version

What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 1:18, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound spiritual principle and personal conviction: despite the varied and sometimes impure motivations of those who proclaim the Gospel, the central and overriding reality is that Christ Himself is being preached. Paul declares that this fact alone is a cause for immense and enduring joy, transcending the imperfections of human agents and circumstances, and affirming the unstoppable advance of God's redemptive message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 1:18 serves as the climactic expression of Paul's perspective on the preaching of the Gospel, following his discussion of the diverse motivations behind it. In [Philippians 1:15-17](/philippians/1-15-17 "Philippians 1:15-17 - Motives for Preaching Christ"), Paul distinguishes between those who preach Christ out of "envy and strife" and "selfish ambition," hoping to add to his imprisonment's distress, and those who preach out of "goodwill" and "love," knowing he is appointed for the defense of the Gospel. Verse 18 then reveals Paul's ultimate response to this complex situation: regardless of the intent, the actual proclamation of Christ is what matters most to him. This verse transitions from the specific issue of preaching motives to Paul's broader, unwavering joy in the Gospel's progress, setting the stage for his subsequent reflections on life and death in [Philippians 1:19-26](/philippians/1-19-26 "Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison, most likely during his first Roman imprisonment (c. A.D. 60-62). This context is crucial, as Paul's joy is expressed not from a position of comfort or freedom, but from confinement, facing potential execution. Roman imprisonment, particularly house arrest, allowed Paul some freedom to receive visitors and write letters, but it was still a restrictive and often humiliating experience. The presence of rival preachers, even those with ill intent towards Paul, indicates the dynamic and sometimes contentious environment of early Christian evangelism. Paul's response demonstrates a remarkable spiritual maturity, prioritizing the advance of Christ's kingdom over personal vindication or comfort, a characteristic of his ministry evident throughout his epistles, such as his endurance of suffering for the Gospel in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Philippians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy of Christ and His Gospel**; the message itself holds inherent power that transcends the flaws of its messengers. Secondly, it exemplifies Paul's **unconditional joy** rooted in Christ, a recurring motif in the letter (e.g., [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")), demonstrating that true joy is not dependent on ideal circumstances or perfect people. Thirdly, it highlights **God's sovereignty**, revealing His ability to use even human imperfection and malicious intent to achieve His divine purposes. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Gospel advancement**, showing Paul's singular focus on the spread of the good news, even if it meant personal suffering, as he declares in [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment Furthers the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pretence (Greek, _próphasis'_):** This term (G4392) signifies an "outward showing" or "pretext." It implies an insincere motive or a hidden agenda behind an action. When applied to preaching, it suggests that some individuals were proclaiming Christ not out of genuine conviction or love for the Gospel, but perhaps for personal gain, to build a following, or even to spite Paul. It denotes a superficial or deceptive presentation, where the outward act masks an impure or self-serving intention.
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This word (G225) denotes sincerity, genuineness, and reality. In contrast to "pretence," preaching "in truth" means proclaiming Christ from pure motives, with integrity, and a sincere desire for God's glory and the salvation of souls. It represents an authentic and unadulterated declaration of the Gospel message.
* **Rejoice (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This primary verb (G5463) means "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." Paul uses it to express a deep, abiding joy that is not superficial or fleeting. His rejoicing is a settled state of gladness, indicating profound satisfaction and contentment in the fact that Christ is being preached, regardless of the circumstances or the motives of the preachers. This joy is a spiritual fruit, rooted in his devotion to Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached;":** Paul begins with a rhetorical question, "What then?", signaling a conclusion or a shift in perspective after discussing the various motives for preaching. He then asserts that "every way," meaning by all possible means or methods, Christ is being proclaimed. The critical distinction is made between preaching "in pretence" (with insincere motives or hidden agendas) and "in truth" (with genuine sincerity and pure intentions). Despite this stark contrast in motivation, the central, unifying fact remains: "Christ is preached." This highlights the power and centrality of the message of Christ itself, which transcends the imperfections of human vessels.
* **"and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.":** This clause reveals Paul's personal response to the reality that Christ is being preached. The phrase "therein" refers to the fact that Christ is proclaimed. Paul declares his present joy ("do rejoice") and his future joy ("will rejoice"). The repetition and the emphatic "yea" underscore the depth and unwavering nature of his gladness. His joy is not contingent on the purity of all preachers' motives or the ideal circumstances, but solely on the undeniable reality that the name and message of Jesus Christ are being made known. This demonstrates a selfless devotion to the Gospel's advance above all else.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Philippians 1:18](/philippians/1-18 "Philippians 1:18 - Paul Rejoices in the Preaching of Christ") to convey his powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, seen in the juxtaposition of "in pretence" and "in truth." This highlights the stark difference in the motivations of the preachers, yet it serves to emphasize Paul's ultimate point: that despite this moral dichotomy, the core message of Christ remains paramount. Paul also uses **Repetition** by stating "do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." This emphatic repetition underscores the depth, certainty, and enduring nature of his joy, demonstrating that his contentment is not fleeting but a settled conviction. Furthermore, the opening **Rhetorical Question**, "What then?", serves to engage the reader, drawing them into Paul's thought process and preparing them for his profound conclusion. It creates a sense of anticipation, leading directly to his declaration of unwavering joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:18 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty and the inherent power of the Gospel. Paul's rejoicing, despite the mixed motives of some preachers, speaks to a deep trust in God's ability to work through imperfect means to accomplish His perfect will. The message of Christ, being divine in origin and power, is not ultimately hindered by human failings or ill intentions. This passage affirms that God's kingdom will advance, and His purposes will be achieved, regardless of the purity of every human heart involved in the process. It is a testament to the fact that the efficacy of the Gospel lies in Christ Himself, not in the flawless character of every messenger. This perspective liberates believers from despair over human imperfections in ministry, redirecting their focus to the ultimate triumph of Christ's message.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering joy in Philippians 1:18 provides a powerful model for believers today. In a world often characterized by division, criticism, and a focus on human flaws, Paul redirects our gaze to the essential truth: the proclamation of Jesus Christ. This verse challenges us to cultivate a similar Christ-centered perspective, where our primary joy is rooted in the advance of God's kingdom, rather than being derailed by internal church politics, personal grievances, or the imperfections of others in ministry. It reminds us that while integrity and pure motives are vital for those who preach, God's sovereign hand can and does use even flawed instruments to achieve His redemptive purposes. Our focus should be on ensuring that Christ is clearly and consistently preached, and in that, we can find profound and enduring joy, trusting that God will honor His Word. This perspective encourages us to pray for all who preach the Gospel, and to support the spread of the message, even when we might disagree with every aspect of a particular ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of my joy and satisfaction in ministry or Christian life? Are they rooted in Christ's advancement, or in more superficial factors like personal success, recognition, or the perfection of others?**
* **How does Paul's attitude challenge my own reactions to perceived imperfections or impure motives in Christian leadership or fellow believers?**
* **In what ways can I actively contribute to the clear and consistent preaching of Christ, and how can I cultivate a joy that transcends external circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul rejoice in preaching done from "pretence" or "selfish ambition"?**

Answer: Paul did not rejoice *in* the impure motives themselves, but *in the fact* that despite those motives, Christ was still being proclaimed. His joy was not an endorsement of hypocrisy or selfish ambition in ministry. Rather, it was a profound testament to his singular focus on the Gospel's advancement and his deep trust in God's sovereignty. For Paul, the ultimate good was that the name and message of Jesus Christ were being made known, regardless of the human vessel or their underlying intent. He understood that the power of the Gospel resides in Christ Himself, not in the flawless character of every messenger. This echoes his broader commitment to the spread of the Gospel, even if it meant his own suffering, as seen in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Furthers the Gospel"), where his chains served to advance the Good News.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very content and power of the Gospel message. Paul's rejoicing is not merely in the act of preaching, but in the fact that *Christ* is preached. This highlights that the efficacy of the Gospel does not depend on human purity or perfect methods, but on the inherent power of the One being proclaimed—Jesus, the Son of God, who came to redeem humanity. Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection are the bedrock upon which the Gospel stands, making it a message that triumphs over all human failings, opposition, and even malicious intent. Just as Christ Himself, through His death and resurrection, overcame the powers of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")), so too His message, when proclaimed, possesses an unstoppable force. Paul's joy, therefore, is a Christ-centered joy, recognizing that the Lord of the harvest is sovereignly working to draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")), even through imperfect vessels. The ultimate fulfillment is that Christ's kingdom will undeniably advance, and His glory will be proclaimed throughout the earth, just as He promised ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:40

For he that is not against us is on our part.

1 Corinthians 15:11

Therefore whether [it were] I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Philippians 1:14

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:17

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 14:15

¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.