17. The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.
18. It does not matter! I am happy about it — so long as Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy,
19. because I know that by means of your prayers and the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ I shall be set free.
20. My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially just now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honour to Christ, whether I live or die.
21. For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.
22. But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose.
23. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing;
24. but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive.
25. I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith,
26. so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.