John Calvin Commentary Philippians 1:18

"What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." — Philippians 1:18 (ASV)

But in every way. Since the wicked disposition of those he has spoken about might detract from the acceptability of the doctrine, he says that this ought to be considered very important: that they nevertheless promoted the cause of the gospel, whatever their disposition might be.

For God sometimes accomplishes an admirable work by means of wicked and depraved instruments. Accordingly, he says that he rejoices in such a happy result, because this one thing contented him—if he saw the kingdom of Christ increasing. Just as we, on hearing that that impure dog Carolus was scattering the seeds of pure doctrine at Avignon and elsewhere, gave thanks to God because he had made use of that most profligate and worthless villain for his glory. And today we rejoice that the progress of the gospel is advanced by many who, nevertheless, had another design in mind.

But though Paul rejoiced in the advancement of the gospel, yet, if the matter had been in his hand, he would never have ordained such persons as ministers. We ought, therefore, to rejoice if God accomplishes anything good by means of wicked persons; but they ought not on that account to be either placed by us in the ministry or regarded as Christ’s lawful ministers.