15. Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine goodwill.
16. These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel.
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.