Hebraic Torah-based reflection on Philippians 1:18
The Joy of the Proclamation: Yeshua HaMashiach Magnified
Verse Text: Philippians 1:18
"What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Messiah is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice."
Key concepts: Covenant | Prophecy | Promise | Fulfillment
Introduction
Imagine you have a favorite toy that you want everyone in the world to know about because it is the best toy ever made. Even if some children talk about your toy just to be mean or to make fun of you, they are still telling everyone that your toy exists! You would be happy because the world is learning about the wonderful toy.
This is how Sha'ul (Paul) felt while he was in prison. He was writing to his friends in Philippi. Even though some people were talking about Yeshua HaMashiach (the Anointed One) for the wrong reasons, Sha'ul was happy because the name of the Mashiach was being spread. He knew that Yeshua is the fulfillment of the Torah and the light for all the scattered tribes of Israel.
Analysis
In this chapter, Sha'ul is talking about the Besorah (the Good News). The Greek word used for "proclaimed" or "preached" is kerusso, but to a first-century Hebrew like Sha'ul, this means להקרא—to herald or announce like a royal messenger. In the ancient world, a herald would stand in the city square and announce the decrees of the King. Sha'ul is saying that no matter who is doing the announcing, the "King" (Yeshua) is being made known.
The Context of the Chapter Sha'ul was in chains, but he didn't feel defeated. He explains that his bonds actually helped the Besorah spread through the palace. He notices that some people are preaching Yeshua out of "envy and strife" (verse 15). These people were like the religious systems of the Pharisees or Sadducees who often added human rules to the Torah and fought with those who taught the truth. They weren't doing it out of love, but out of a desire to make Sha'ul suffer more.
Yet, Sha'ul does not get angry. Why? Because he understands that Yeshua is the prophet like Moshe (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). Just as Moshe gave the Torah to the people, Yeshua came to show us how to actually live the Torah in our daily lives. He gave "flesh" to the Word (Torah). Whether the news is shared by a friend or an enemy, the truth remains: Yeshua is the Mashiach who extends the covenant of Abraham to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Torah and the Mashiach In the Hebrew mindset, the goal of life is obedience to Yahweh through the Torah. The "fruits of righteousness" mentioned in verse 11 are not something we make up; they are the result of living a life guided by the Torah, as Yeshua perfectly did. Yeshua did not come to replace the Torah—for the Torah is eternal (Matthew 5:17–19)—but to be the living example of it.
When people proclaim Yeshua, they are proclaiming that the way of life (the Torah) is now accessible to all who follow the Mashiach, including the ten scattered tribes who are being called back to their Father, Yahweh. Sha'ul rejoices because every time the name of Yeshua is mentioned, it creates an opportunity for someone to learn that the covenant is alive, the temple will one day return, and the promises made to the forefathers are being fulfilled.
Conclusion
Sha'ul teaches us a very important lesson: focus on the glory of Yahweh and the mission of Yeshua rather than on our own feelings. When we see the Torah being lived out through the example of Yeshua, we find a joy that no prison or adversary (ha-satan) can take away. The proclamation of the Mashiach is the announcement that the King has arrived to lead His people back to the heart of the Father through a life of obedience and love.
Blessing or Prayer
May Yahweh, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fill your heart with the same joy that Sha'ul had. May you walk in the way of the Torah, following the footsteps of Yeshua HaMashiach, and may your life be a herald of truth to all the world. Shalom!
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