1:18 {5} What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in {m} pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
(5) He shows by setting forth his own example, that the end of our afflictions is true joy, and this results through the power of the Spirit of Christ, who he gives to those that ask.
(m) Under a false pretence and disguise: for they make Christ a cloak for their ambition and envy.
1:18 Every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached. So anxious is he to have Christ preached, that, whatever may be the motives of men, whether their zeal is only in pretence, or in truth, still if only Christ is preached, he
will rejoice. This is not a sanction of a false gospel, nor of the men themselves, but rejoicing, if by any means the knowledge of Christ is spread. See Ga 1:8. How different this glorious unselfishness, and greatness of spirit, from the narrowness of those who higgle over plans and forbid those who walk not with them !
1:18 In pretence - Under colour of propagating the gospel. In truth - With a real design so to do.
1:12-20 The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt, and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering for him.
