Philippians 1:18
New International Version
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,

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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,

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,

Berean Literal Bible
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

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

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But not only that, I also will rejoice,

NASB 1995
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

NASB 1977
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.

Legacy Standard Bible
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Amplified Bible
What then [does it matter]? So long as in every way, whether in pretense [for self-promotion] or in all honesty [to spread the truth], Christ is being preached; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice [later as well],

Christian Standard Bible
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will 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.

Contemporary English Version
But that doesn't matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. This is what makes me glad. I will keep on being glad,

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But what does it matter? Nothing matters except that, in one way or another, people are told the message about Christ, whether with honest or dishonest motives, and I'm happy about that. Yes, I will continue to be happy

Good News Translation
It does not matter! I am happy about it--just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy,

International Standard Version
But so what? Just this—that in every way, whether by false or true motives, the Messiah is being proclaimed. Because of this, I rejoice and will continue to rejoice.

Majority 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,

NET Bible
What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

New Heart English Bible
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether out of false motives or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.

Webster's Bible Translation
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Weymouth New Testament
What does it matter, however? In any case Christ is preached--either perversely or in honest truth; and in that I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

World English Bible
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
what then? In every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed—and I rejoice in this, indeed, and will rejoice.

Berean Literal Bible
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Young's Literal Translation
what then? in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed -- and in this I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.

Smith's Literal Translation
For what? but in any manner, whether in pretence, or truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, and certainly I will rejoice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion, or by truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But what does it matter? As long as, by every means, whether under pretext or in truthfulness, Christ is announced. And about this, I rejoice, and moreover, I will continue to rejoice.

New American Bible
What difference does it make, as long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I rejoice. Indeed I shall continue to rejoice,

New Revised Standard Version
What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I have rejoiced and still do rejoice in this: that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And in this I have rejoiced and do rejoice, that in every way, if in pretense or in the truth, The Messiah will be preached.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
What difference does this make? Christ is, nevertheless, preached in every way, whether in pretense or in truth; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice:

Godbey New Testament
For what is it? moreover that in every place, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and I rejoice in this, yes, and I will rejoice.

Haweis New Testament
What then? if Christ is preached in whatever manner it be, whether in pretext or reality, even in this do I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Mace New Testament
is it not however some advantage? since in either way, whether it be occasionally, or professedly, Christ is preach'd; which is now, and always will be matter of joy to me.

Weymouth New Testament
What does it matter, however? In any case Christ is preached--either perversely or in honest truth; and in that I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Worrell New Testament
What then? save that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Worsley New Testament
What then? yet every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached: and in this I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Trials Advance the Gospel
17The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. 18What 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, 19because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.…

Cross References
Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:6-8
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. / Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, / yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

Psalm 34:1-3
Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Nehemiah 8:10
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.


Treasury of Scripture

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

What.

Romans 3:9
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Romans 6:15
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

1 Corinthians 10:19
What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

whether.

Philippians 1:14-17
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear…

Matthew 23:14
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Mark 12:40
Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Christ.

Philippians 1:15
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

and I.

Mark 9:38-40
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…

Luke 9:45,50
But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying…

1 Corinthians 15:11
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Jump to Previous
Announced Case Christ Continue Either False. Falsely Glad Goes Honest However Important Matter Motives Notwithstanding Perversely Preached Preaching Pretence Pretense Pretext Proclaimed Rejoice Therein Truth Way Whether
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Announced Case Christ Continue Either False. Falsely Glad Goes Honest However Important Matter Motives Notwithstanding Perversely Preached Preaching Pretence Pretense Pretext Proclaimed Rejoice Therein Truth Way Whether
Philippians 1
1. Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,
9. daily praying for their increase in grace;
12. he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;
21. and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;
27. exhorting them to unity;
28. and to fortitude in persecution.














What, then, is the issue?
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question that Paul uses to draw attention to the core of his message. The Greek word for "issue" here is "τί," which can be translated as "what" or "why." Paul is addressing the concerns of the Philippians regarding the motives of those preaching Christ. Historically, the early church faced various challenges, including differing motivations among preachers. Paul’s rhetorical question serves to refocus the audience on the centrality of Christ’s message rather than the intentions behind it.

Just this, that in every way
The phrase "in every way" (Greek: "παντὶ τρόπῳ") emphasizes the inclusivity of the methods by which Christ is preached. Paul acknowledges that the gospel can be spread through diverse means. This reflects the historical context of the early church, where the message of Christ was disseminated through various channels, including oral tradition, letters, and personal testimony. The phrase underscores the sovereignty of God in using all circumstances for His glory.

whether by false motives or true
Here, Paul contrasts "false motives" (Greek: "προφάσει") with "true" (Greek: "ἀληθείᾳ"). The early church was not immune to individuals who preached Christ for personal gain or out of envy. However, Paul’s focus is not on the motives but on the outcome—Christ being preached. This highlights a key theological point: God can use even imperfect vessels to accomplish His purposes. The historical context reveals that despite human failings, the truth of the gospel remains untainted.

Christ is preached
The centrality of this phrase cannot be overstated. "Christ" (Greek: "Χριστός") is the anointed one, the Messiah, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. The verb "is preached" (Greek: "καταγγέλλεται") indicates a proclamation or public declaration. In the early church, preaching was the primary means of spreading the gospel. This phrase encapsulates the mission of the church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

And in this I rejoice
Paul’s declaration of joy (Greek: "χαίρω") is profound, given his circumstances. Writing from prison, Paul’s ability to rejoice in the preaching of Christ, regardless of the motives, reflects a deep spiritual maturity and trust in God’s overarching plan. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the advancement of the gospel.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
The repetition of "rejoice" (Greek: "χαίρω") emphasizes Paul’s unwavering commitment to finding joy in the spread of the gospel. The future tense "will continue" indicates a sustained attitude of joy, suggesting that Paul’s perspective is not momentary but enduring. This reflects a theological understanding that joy in Christ transcends temporal challenges and is anchored in eternal truths.

(18) The contrast of this verse with such passages as 2Corinthians 12:4--where the Judaisers at Corinth are said to preach "another Jesus and a different gospel;" with Galatians 1:6--where their gospel is declared to be "a different gospel," and not merely a variety of the same (see Note there); and even with the emphatic warning as to Philippi, in Philippians 3:2-16, is singularly instructive. St. Paul, in the words "in pretence" and "in truth," is speaking of the motives of the preachers, not of the substance of their preaching. For the latter he cares much; for the former nothing. When (as at Corinth) the rejection of his personal authority was bound up with rejection of his apostolic doctrine, he rebukes it vehemently; when (as here) there was no such connection, it is to him a very small thing. But we may also gather from this that, whatever might be the case at Philippi, at Rome St. Paul's Epistle had done its work, and the battle of principle was won; even at Colossae it had wholly changed its character (see Colossians 2:16-23), and its old phases had passed away. The differences between the parties at Rome were no longer fundamental, although, as so often is the case, the bitterness of division might remain. "Every way Christ was preached," and accepted as justifying through faith. This being so, St. Paul could rejoice. Even an imperfect Christianity, with something of narrowness, and perhaps of superstitious formalism, cleaving to it, was as different from the gross heathenism which it superseded, as light from darkness.

Yea, and will rejoice.--Properly, I shall rejoice to the end. The words lead on to the next verse, which gives the reason of this persistent rejoicing.

Verse 18. - What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; rather, only that, as R.V. (comp. Acts 20:23). What is the result of all this preaching? Only that Christ is announced, that the story of Christ is told. The motives of the preachers may not be good, but the result is good; the gospel facts are made more widely known, not only by those who preach in sincerity, but even by means of those who strive to promote their own party ends under the pretense of preaching Christ. And I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. St. Paul rejoices in the good which God brings out of evil; though that good is produced by the outward agency of his own adversaries. Yea, and I shall rejoice. He will not allow himself to be vexed by the bitterness of his opponents, he will not imitate their party spirit; his joy will continue, for he knows that, in spite of present hindrances, the result is assured.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
What,
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

then, [ is the issue ]?
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

Only
πλὴν (plēn)
Conjunction
Strong's 4133: However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

in every
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

way,
τρόπῳ (tropō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5158: From the same as trope; a turn, i.e. mode or style; figuratively, deportment or character.

whether
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

by false motives
προφάσει (prophasei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4392: A pretext, an excuse. From a compound of pro and phaino; an outward showing, i.e. Pretext.

or
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

true,
ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

Christ
Χριστὸς (Christos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

is preached.
καταγγέλλεται (katangelletai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2605: To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

this
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

I rejoice.
χαίρω (chairō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

Yes,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I will continue to rejoice,
χαρήσομαι (charēsomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.


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NT Letters: Philippians 1:18 What does it matter? Only that (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 1:17
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