New Century Version NCV
New International Version NIV
15 It is true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous and ambitious, but others preach about Christ because they want to help.
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It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 They preach because they have love, and they know that God gave me the work of defending the Good News.
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The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for me in prison.
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The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But it doesn't matter. The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy.
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But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
19 Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom.
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for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
20 I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die.
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I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.
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For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose -- living or dying.
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If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
23 It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better,
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I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
24 but you need me here in my body.
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but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
25 Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith.
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Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.