Philippians 1 18

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.

Philippians 1:18 nkjv

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18 niv

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Philippians 1:18 esv

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. To Live Is Christ Yes, and I will rejoice,

Philippians 1:18 nlt

But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 18 Meaning

Paul declares his profound joy that Jesus Christ is being proclaimed, irrespective of the motives of those doing the proclaiming. Whether individuals preach Christ from genuine, pure intentions ("in truth") or from selfish, envious, or contentious designs ("in pretense"), Paul’s ultimate delight remains unchanged because the essential gospel message—the declaration of Christ—is spreading. His happiness is anchored not in personal comfort, the perfection of his fellow laborers, or his circumstances, but solely in the advancement and public announcement of Christ's name and message. This reveals his radical Christ-centeredness and unyielding commitment to the Kingdom of God.

Philippians 1 18 Context

The Apostle Paul is writing this epistle while imprisoned, likely in Rome (though Caesarea or Ephesus are debated by some). Despite his personal predicament, Paul views his confinement not as a setback, but as an opportunity for the gospel's advancement (Phil 1:12). He informs the Philippians that his chains have become known as being "for Christ," inspiring many others to preach the word with greater boldness (Phil 1:13-14). In the verses immediately preceding Philippians 1:18 (verses 15-17), Paul differentiates between two groups of evangelists: those who preach Christ out of love and goodwill, supporting him, and others who preach from "envy and rivalry" or "selfish ambition," seeking to add to his affliction in prison. Philippians 1:18 encapsulates Paul's overarching reaction to these various motives: his joy transcends these internal disagreements because, fundamentally, Christ is being proclaimed, which is his ultimate aim.

Philippians 1 18 Word analysis

• What then? (Τί γάρ; - Ti gar?): A rhetorical question indicating a dismissive attitude towards previous details (like rivalries), moving to a pivotal, overarching point. It signifies, "What is the true significance here?" or "Does it matter?".
• Only that (Πλὴν - Plen): A strong adversative conjunction meaning "nevertheless" or "except that." Here, it functions emphatically to stress the single, supreme condition or outcome that matters above all else.
• in every way (παντὶ τρόπῳ - panti tropō): This phrase emphasizes comprehensiveness, indicating that regardless of the methods, manner, or external circumstances involved, the core action (proclamation of Christ) is occurring.
• whether in pretense (εἴτε προφάσει - eite prophasei): From the Greek prophasis, meaning a "show," "pretext," or "excuse." It refers to an impure or deceptive motive, such as rivalry or selfish ambition, where the outward action serves a hidden, often negative, personal agenda.
• or in truth (εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ - eite aletheia): From aletheia, signifying sincerity, genuineness, and integrity. This stands in sharp contrast to "pretense," referring to those who proclaim Christ from pure motives, driven by genuine love and zeal for the gospel.
• Christ (Χριστὸς - Christos): The very name of Jesus, signifying His messianic identity and central role as Lord and Savior. He is the ultimate focus and content of the proclamation, outweighing any personal motives or rivalries of the proclaimer.
• is proclaimed (καταγγέλλεται - katangelletai): A present tense, passive voice verb from katangellō ("to announce publicly," "to declare," "to preach"). The passive voice emphasizes that Christ is the subject being announced, drawing focus to the message itself rather than solely on the human agent. The ongoing nature of the proclamation is also conveyed.
• and in this (καὶ ἐν τούτῳ - kai en toutō): A demonstrative phrase that directly refers back to the core fact: "Christ is proclaimed." This is the sole and sufficient basis for Paul’s rejoicing.
• I rejoice (χαίρω - chairō): A present tense verb, indicating Paul's ongoing and present state of joy. This joy is not fleeting or dependent on external pleasantries.
• yes, and I will rejoice (ἀλλὰ καὶ χαρήσομαι - alla kai charēsomai): The future tense, emphatically reinforced by alla kai ("but also" or "indeed, also"). This demonstrates Paul's resolute certainty and sustained anticipation of joy, irrespective of future challenges or continued opposition. It speaks to his deep, abiding hope and faith in God's continuing work through Christ.

Words-group Analysis:

• "What then? Only that in every way...": This opening powerfully establishes Paul’s unwavering focus. It sets aside all subsidiary concerns—like who preaches or why—and channels all attention to the ultimate objective: Christ's proclamation. This highlights Paul's profound prioritization of God’s kingdom over his own circumstances or rivalries.
• "...whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed...": This is a stark yet central contrast illustrating God's sovereignty. It reveals that the power and efficacy of the gospel message are not inherently compromised by the imperfect or even malicious motives of some messengers, provided the core message is authentically "Christ." Paul doesn't endorse the bad motives, but recognizes God's ability to use all circumstances to further His will.
• "...and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.": This emphatic declaration of present and future joy is the culmination of Paul’s spiritual outlook. His joy is not conditional or circumstantial; it stems from the core reality that Christ's name is being made known. It underscores Paul's selflessness, unwavering hope, and radical confidence in the ongoing triumph of the gospel message, demonstrating his complete satisfaction in Christ's advancement, even through adversity and mixed motivations.

Philippians 1 18 Bonus section

Paul's acceptance of imperfectly motivated gospel preaching in Philippians 1:18 stands out precisely because elsewhere in his epistles, he is adamantly critical of false teachers and impure motives in ministry. This apparent paradox is resolved by carefully observing his central criterion: "Christ is proclaimed." Paul strictly distinguishes between those who teach a false gospel (which he fiercely condemns, e.g., Galatians 1:8-9) and those who, despite impure motives, are accurately proclaiming Christ. Here, the message's content is pure; only the human vehicle is tainted. This passage provides a unique insight into Paul's gospel-centric ethic: a remarkable freedom from ego and personal offense when the supreme goal—the spread of Christ's renown—is advanced. It’s not a compromise on ethical standards for Christian behavior, but an incredible example of prioritizing God's kingdom agenda even amid human fallibility.

Philippians 1 18 Commentary

Philippians 1:18 unveils a remarkable dimension of Paul's spiritual maturity and unwavering dedication to the gospel. Imprisoned and seemingly isolated, Paul discovers a paradoxical joy amid rivalry. He categorizes some preachers as having impure motives ("pretense")—likely driven by envy or a desire to discredit him (Phil 1:15-17). Yet, he finds deep contentment not in personal vindication or ideal circumstances, but solely in the fact that Christ is being preached.

This verse teaches that the core content of the message—Jesus Christ—is paramount. Paul recognizes God's sovereign ability to bring about good results even from human sin and imperfection. He is not endorsing malicious motives but acknowledging God’s overarching plan. His double affirmation of joy ("I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice") showcases a radical, enduring, and non-circumstantial joy that flows from Christ's fame increasing. It’s a powerful model for believers to prioritize God’s ultimate purposes over personal slights, struggles, or imperfections of fellow workers, finding joy wherever the authentic message of Jesus is genuinely declared.

Practical usage:

• A Christian charitable organization continues its impactful work, even if there are occasional concerns about internal politics among some staff members, because the genuine needs of the vulnerable are still being met in Christ's name.
• A believer listens to and learns from various sermons or Christian teachings, focusing on the biblical truth of Christ presented, rather than allowing a particular speaker's personality quirks or the methods of some others to cause them to miss the central message.
• In times of church disagreement or internal challenges, members choose to rejoice in the visible spiritual growth and outward spread of the gospel that is occurring, rather than becoming consumed by internal strife, always prioritizing the proclamation of Christ above all.