Philippians 1:18

[Christian2]

Philippians 1:18 (NASB)

15(AI)Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

16the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the (AJ)gospel;

17the former proclaim Christ (AK)out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my (AL)imprisonment.

18What 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,

My question is: "Is Paul saying that it doesn't matter how the Gospel is preached and that it is OK with him?

Thanks.

[B. W.]

Philippians 1:18 (NASB)

15(AI)Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

16the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the (AJ)gospel;

17the former proclaim Christ (AK)out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my (AL)imprisonment.

18What 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,

My question is: "Is Paul saying that it doesn't matter how the Gospel is preached and that it is OK with him? Thanks.

Not necessarily. Paul was not referring to those speaking false teachings and heresy but rather more in line to those mentioned in 1 Corinthians as an example of what he means:

1 Corinthians 1:12-13, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” KJV

See 1 Corinthians 3 for more details.

Sounds like the Church today! Paul affirms that the power of God's word simply cut through all the bull…no matter what…

Numbers 22:28, “And the LORD opened the mouth of the a--, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” KJV

Yep, God can use anyone, even a dumb a— so there is hope for us after all!

"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 -Philippians 1:18
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[Christian2]

Does the following work?

Philippians 1: 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But 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. (NIV)

Paul is in prison. Being in prison for preaching the Gospel has brought attention to his plight and the reason he is in prison.

There are some people going around talking about King Jesus who, Paul knows, don't really mean it. They don't believe the message.

Notice, verse 17.: "the former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains."

I think it likely that the pagans who have heard what all the fuss is about are talking about it on the street. (NT Wright)

"Have you heard?" they'll be saying to each other, "They've caught that strange fellow who's been going around saying there's a new king, a new emperor! And you won't believe it — this new king turns out to be a Jew whom they crucified a few years ago, and this jailbird is saying he's alive again and he's the real Lord of the world." (NT Wright)

Paul's reaction to all of this is to celebrate. That's fine by me, he might have said. As long as people are going around saying that Jesus is the world's true Lord, I shall be happy." (NT Wright)

Why? Because the Gospel is still being preached. Whatever the motives, it is still being preached to the Glory of God Almighty.

Source: Mine with a little help from NT Wright.

[B. W.]

Does the following work?

Philippians 1: 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18But 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. (NIV)

Paul is in prison. Being in prison for preaching the Gospel has brought attention to his plight and the reason he is in prison.

There are some people going around talking about King Jesus who, Paul knows, don't really mean it. They don't believe the message.

Notice, verse 17.: "the former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains."

I think it likely that the pagans who have heard what all the fuss is about are talking about it on the street. (NT Wright)

"Have you heard?" they'll be saying to each other, "They've caught that strange fellow who's been going around saying there's a new king, a new emperor! And you won't believe it — this new king turns out to be a Jew whom they crucified a few years ago, and this jailbird is saying he's alive again and he's the real Lord of the world." (NT Wright)

Paul's reaction to all of this is to celebrate. That's fine by me, he might have said. As long as people are going around saying that Jesus is the world's true Lord, I shall be happy." (NT Wright)

Why? Because the Gospel is still being preached. Whatever the motives, it is still being preached to the Glory of God Almighty.

Source: Mine with a little help from NT Wright.

You bring out a good point and that is this - God's word has an intended effect of giving Glory to God Almighty! God uses the word how so ever he wills. Amen
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[YLTYLT]

Thats interesting. So a person does not have to be a Christian to share the gospel that could result in someone accepting the gift of salvation?

Makes sense, I think....

Because "faith comes by hearing hearing through the word of God."
I know there are a lot of people out there that have vast knowledge of scripture that are not saved.
So I guess it possible as long as the non Christian is using scripture. Is there not power in the Word?

[zoegirl]

Every time I hear the Messiah at a concert hall I smile because I hear is God's word being preached by people who are, in all probability, not Christians. God is being glorified.

Maybe not the best example....but...