The Gospel Is Preached

12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances ahave turned out for the greater progress of the bgospel,

13 so that my 1aimprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole 2praetorian guard and to beveryone else,

14 and that most of the 1brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my 2aimprisonment, have bfar more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

15 aSome, to be sure, are preaching Christ even 1from envy and strife, but some also 1from good will;

16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the agospel;

17 the former proclaim Christ aout of selfish ambition 1rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my 2bimprisonment.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice,

19 for I know that this will turn out for my 1deliverance athrough your 2prayers and the provision of bthe Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 according to my aearnest expectation and bhope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with call boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be dexalted in my body, ewhether by life or by death.

To Live Is Christ

21 For to me, ato live is Christ and to die is gain.

22 1But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean afruitful labor for me; and I do not know 2which to choose.

23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the adesire to depart and bbe with Christ, for that is very much better;

24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

25 aConvinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy 1in the faith,

26 so that your aproud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.