Philippians 1:18

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

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}.

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,

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,

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

Context of Philippians 1:18

Philippians 1:18 is nestled within Paul's heartfelt letter to the church in Philippi, penned during his imprisonment. In the preceding verses (Philippians 1:15-17), Paul discusses the various motivations behind those who preach the Gospel. Some preach Christ out of goodwill and love, while others do so out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition, hoping to add to Paul's suffering. Despite these challenging circumstances and mixed motives, Paul's focus in verse 18 shifts to the overarching reality: the powerful message of Christ is being proclaimed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Supremacy of Christ's Proclamation: The core message of this verse is Paul's unwavering commitment to the spread of the Gospel. He declares that regardless of the preacher's impure motives ("in pretence") or sincere intentions ("in truth"), the fact remains that Christ is preached. This highlights the divine power of the message itself, which transcends the imperfections of human vessels.
  • Joy in the Advancement of the Gospel: Paul's emphatic declaration, "I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice," reveals a profound spiritual maturity. His joy is not contingent on ideal circumstances or the flawless character of every minister, but on the undeniable reality that the name of Jesus Christ is being made known. This exemplifies a selfless devotion to God's kingdom.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Human Imperfection: Implicit in Paul's rejoicing is the understanding that God can use even flawed or ill-intentioned efforts to achieve His righteous purposes. Even when preached from less-than-noble motives, the truth of Christ still goes forth, demonstrating God's ability to work through any means to advance His plan of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "pretence," which comes from the Greek word prophasis (πρόφασις). This term signifies an "outward show" or "pretext," suggesting a hidden agenda or insincere motive behind an action. In contrast, "truth" is alētheia (ἀλήθεια), denoting sincerity, genuineness, and reality. Paul clearly distinguishes between these two approaches to preaching, yet his ultimate satisfaction and joy are found in the consistent outcome: the preaching of Christ.

Practical Application

Philippians 1:18 offers valuable lessons for believers and the church today:

  • Focus on the Core Message: This verse encourages us to prioritize the clear and consistent proclamation of Jesus Christ above all else. While integrity in ministry is vital, we should also rejoice when the essential Gospel message reaches others, even if we disagree with certain methods or personalities.
  • Cultivate Unconditional Joy: Paul's example challenges us to find our joy in the spread of God's Word, rather than being consumed by internal church politics, personal grievances, or the imperfections of others. His joy was rooted in Christ's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, a principle he reiterates by encouraging believers to rejoice in the Lord always.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: We are reminded that God is powerful enough to use imperfect people and circumstances to accomplish His perfect will. This should give us hope and confidence in the ongoing work of the Gospel, even amidst challenges and human failings.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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