GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
15 Some people tell the message about Christ because of their jealousy and envy. Others tell the message about him because of their good will.
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It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 Those who tell the message about Christ out of love know that God has put me here to defend 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 are insincere. They tell the message about Christ out of selfish ambition in order to stir up trouble for me while I'm 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 what does it matter? Nothing matters except that, in one way or another, people are told the message about Christ, whether with honest or dishonest motives, and I'm happy about that. Yes, 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 for another reason. I know that I will be set free through your prayers and through the help that comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
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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 eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of. I will speak very boldly and honor Christ in my body, now as always, 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 Christ means everything to me in this life, and when I die I'll have even more.
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For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I continue to live in this life, my work will produce more results. I don't know which I would prefer.
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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 I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That's by far the better choice.
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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 for your sake it's better that I remain in this life.
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but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
25 Since I'm convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you. This will help you to grow and be joyful 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,
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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.