Philippians 1:18
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Paul rejoices not just that Christ is proclaimed, but that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preachers' motives – whether they're sincere or acting from ulterior motives. His ultimate joy is in Christ being made known, even if the messengers' hearts aren't pure.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is responding to the reality that some people are proclaiming Christ out of genuine love, while others are doing so with selfish motives like envy and a desire to cause him trouble. Despite these mixed intentions, Paul declares that his joy isn't diminished because the central message of Christ's proclamation is still going out, which is the ultimate good. He will continue to rejoice as long as Christ is being made known, regardless of the motivations behind it.
Imagine working tirelessly for a cause, only to see others—even those with questionable motives—also promoting it. How would you feel?
Paul faces this exact situation in Philippi. Some are preaching Christ out of genuine love, while others do so from envy and a desire to cause him trouble.
A Higher Purpose
Paul’s response is remarkable: he rejoices! Not because he approves of their bad attitudes, but because the central message is getting out.
Focus on the Object
He clearly distinguishes between the motives of the preachers ('in pretense or in truth') and the substance of their message ('Christ is proclaimed'). For Paul, the ultimate goal is that Christ is made known, and that truth outweighs any personal hardship or the imperfect methods of others.
How can someone rejoice when they are being attacked and undermined by those who claim to preach the same faith?
Paul’s ability to rejoice in this difficult situation isn't just about optimism; it’s a profound demonstration of his love for Christ.
Love for Christ Above All
The commentaries highlight that Paul's supreme love for the Savior overrides any personal pain or resentment. When Christ is being magnified, his own suffering or reputation becomes secondary.
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A Lesson in Humility
This serves as a powerful example for us. It teaches that true ministry and personal fulfillment come from a deep, abiding love for Christ, so strong that it can lead to rejoicing even amidst conflict and rivalry. It’s about wanting Christ’s name honored, regardless of who gets the credit or whether we face opposition.
Understand the original words
katangellō · Greek Verb
To announce the message of Christ; an official proclamation of the gospel, often implying a heraldic declaration of a King's arrival and reign.
The Philippian church, though established by Paul, faced internal division with some preaching Christ from impure motives. Paul's letter, likely written from Roman imprisonment, offers a profound perspective: his joy isn't dependent on the *motives* of the preachers, but on the *fact* that Christ is being proclaimed, even amidst opposition and potential persecution.
c. AD 40-45
Early Gentile Missionaries
Paul and Barnabas undertake their first major missionary journey, establishing churches in Gentile communities.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal meeting addresses whether Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, establishing crucial principles for the inclusion of non-Jews in the early church.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches and expands his ministry, facing opposition and planting new communities, including the church in Philippi.
c. AD 53-56
Imprisonment in Ephesus
During his third missionary journey, Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, a major city where he faces significant opposition but also sees the Gospel spread.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. He uses this time to write letters, including Philippians, to churches he cares about.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
The persecution of Christians intensifies under Emperor Nero following the Great Fire of Rome, creating a backdrop of suffering for believers.
This passage speaks about the body of Christ, where if one part suffers, all suffer together, and if one part rejoices, all rejoice with it, echoing Paul's selfless joy for the proclamation of Christ regardless of the messenger.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that in all things, God works for good with those who love Him. Paul’s rejoicing demonstrates his trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when circumstances (like rivals preaching) are less than ideal.
Galatians 1:6-7Here, Paul vehemently condemns those preaching a different gospel, which contrasts sharply with his attitude in Philippians 1:18. This highlights the nuanced nature of his joy: it wasn't for false doctrine, but for the proclamation of Christ's name, even by flawed messengers, as long as the core message wasn't corrupted.
2 Corinthians 11:4Paul addresses 'another Jesus' being preached. This emphasizes that his rejoicing in Philippians 1:18 is specifically about the true Christ being proclaimed, not about any imitation or distortion of the gospel.
The parable illustrates different responses to the sown word. Paul's joy in Philippians 1:18 aligns with the 'good soil' outcome, where the word bears fruit, regardless of who initially sows it, showing his ultimate concern is the harvest of souls.
vincentPhilippians 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 then?Such being the case, how does it affect me?Notwithstanding (πλὴν)Read πλὴν ὅτι except that. Rev., only that. What is my feeling in view of these things? Only that I rejoice that Christ is preached.In pretenseWith a spirit of envy and faction, possibly with a counterfeited zeal for truth.
barnesPhilippians 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 then? - What follows from this? What effect does it have on my mind? Does the fact that some preach from a spirit of envy and contention give me pain? Notwithstanding every way - No matter in what way it is done. We are not to suppose, however, that Paul was indifferent as to the way in which the gospel was preached, or the spirit…
Paul rejoices not just that Christ is proclaimed, but that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preachers' motives – whether they're sincere or acting from ulterior motives. His ultimate joy is in Christ being made known, even if the messengers' hearts aren't pure.
Paul is responding to the reality that some people are proclaiming Christ out of genuine love, while others are doing so with selfish motives like envy and a desire to cause him trouble. Despite these mixed intentions, Paul declares that his joy isn't diminished because the central message of Christ's proclamation is still going out, which is the ultimate good. He will continue to rejoice as long as Christ is being made known, regardless of the motivations behind it.
Paul is responding to the reality that some people are proclaiming Christ out of genuine love, while others are doing so with selfish motives like envy and a desire to cause him trouble. Despite these mixed intentions, Paul declares that his joy isn't diminished because the central message of Christ's proclamation is still going out, which is the ultimate good. He will continue to rejoice as long as Christ is being made known, regardless of the motivations behind it.
"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice," — Paul rejoices not just that Christ is proclaimed, but that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preachers' motives – whether they're sincere or acting from ulterior motives. His ultimate joy is i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
