1:18a
What then is the issue?: The Greek here is an idiomatic expression something like the English slang “So what?” It does not expect an answer. In the Berean Standard Bible it is translated as a rhetorical question implying the answer “It doesn’t really matter.” Paul meant that he was not disturbed and troubled (as his rivals expected he would be) because some believers were preaching the gospel out of envy. Instead, he was just glad that they were preaching the good news.
If you have rhetorical questions in your language and you can use one here, make sure the answer is clear to the reader. If it is not clear, you may need to add an explicit answer, such as “It doesn’t matter.” Or, you may need to avoid the rhetorical question (see the third Meaning Line in the Display).
1:18b
that in every way: If your language uses different words to distinguish between two alternatives and more than two alternatives, you should choose the word indicating two alternatives.
whether by false motives or true: Some people were preaching the gospel for the wrong reasons and some for the right reasons.
false motives: The Greek word translated by the Berean Standard Bible as false motives means doing something just for appearance or show, or hiding the real reason for doing something. This refers to the people mentioned in 1:15a and 1:17.
true: The Greek word translated by the Berean Standard Bible as true is literally “in truth.” It refers to doing something for the reason you say you are doing it; that is, genuinely or sincerely. This refers to the people mentioned in 1:15b and 1:16.
1:18c
Christ is preached: In some languages it will be necessary to use an active verb and supply a subject for the verb “preach.” If this is necessary for you, you should choose something that clearly refers back to those about whom Paul had just been speaking. See second and third Meaning lines in the Display.
General Comment on 1:18a–d
In some languages it may be necessary to alter the order of the parts of the verse. Here are two sample translations:
a But this is not important. c What is important is that people are preaching the good news about Christ, b whether they have the right reason or not. d And I am very glad about that.
-or-
a They are doing this, but I am not upset. b Maybe they are preaching because they want to help me, or maybe they are preaching because they don’t want to help me. But either way d I am happy, c because they are preaching the good news about Christ.
Section 1:18e–26
Paul rejoiced because he expected that what was happening would lead to good, whether he lived or died
Paul wanted to bring honor to Christ whether he lived or died. He knew that dying and being with Christ would be the supreme good, but he also wanted to be with the Philippians to help them grow in their faith. And he expected that God would let him continue living and helping others.
Paragraph 1:18e–20
Paul rejoiced because he knew that the result of what was happening to him would be good, whether he continued to live or he died.
1:18e
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice: This phrase connects this section with the previous one. Paul was happy, not only because people were preaching the gospel, but also because he believed that what was happening to him would turn out for good.
Some translations put the phrase Yes, and I will continue to rejoice at the beginning of 1:19 rather than at the end of 1:18 (Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible). You should consider making this adjustment to the verse numbers if this is what your national language version does.
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