Philippians 1:18

What then? Paul faces the situation raised by the two types of preaching, and boldly asks: “What does it all mean?”

Notwithstanding. Or, “only that” (RSV). The apostle proceeds to state the sole significant result of the two ways of proclaiming Christ.

Pretence. Gr. prophasis, “falsely alleged motive,” “pretext,” from prophaino, “to show forth,” or from prophemi, “to speak forth,” both derivations giving the sense of an external rectitude that cancels an ulterior motive, in this case a zealous preaching of Christ performed with the intention of hurting Paul.

Christ is preached. Paul was an optimist. He looked for the good in any set of circumstances. He would have preferred to have men who loved Christ, preach Christ. However, rather than that Christ should not be preached, he was willing that those who did not tally love Him should proclaim His name. Even an imperfectly preached Christianity was a great improvement over gross heathenism. And what is the result of this preaching? Christ is announced, the story of Christ is told. Though the motives of the preachers may be questionable, the result may be a victory for Christ.

I therein do rejoice. In this the second reference to joy in this epistle (cf. v. 4) Paul’s joy shows a large and forgiving nature. He would not allow himself to be upset by the bitterness of his opponents. He could rejoice in the good that God was bringing out of evil, even though the good was produced by his adversaries. To him the preaching of Christ was the most important thing in the world.

And will rejoice. Paul’s rejoicing was not for the moment only. He would continue to rejoice in the success of the preachers who were opposed to him as well as in that of those who were preaching of good will.