Philippians 1:18 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
This verse reflects back on how two different groups in verses 15-17 preach the gospel: one out of selfish ambition and the other out of love. Paul describes the selfish preachers as using pretense (prophasei). Pretense is a form of excuse that puts up a false front in order to gain from it. These preachers spoke the gospel but how they did it brought attention to themselves and not to Jesus.
Paul associates the loving approach with truth (alētheia). Speaking the truth in love will help people grow into maturity (Ephesians 4:15). Those who speak the truth open themselves to their listeners with honesty and integrity. There is nothing to hide. The “self” now hides behind Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6) so that only Jesus is seen, not the speaker. The preacher becomes the mouthpiece for Jesus and not for him or herself.
The key idea for Paul is that no matter what a person’s motives are, at least the message of Christ is getting out. The scenario Paul has given in these verses is repeated even in our day. Every person who shares the message of the gospel, even in personal ways, must check to see if he or she is promoting self. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-17, we must do our acts of righteousness in secret. In our speaking, we must have the same attitude of humility and make sure that all we say and do brings the glory to God.
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