Philippians 1:12-26 - The Progress Of The Gospel
12 Now I would have you know, brethren, that what I have gone through has turned out to the furtherance of the Good News rather than otherwise. 13 And thus it has become notorious among all the Imperial Guards, and everywhere, that it is for the sake of Christ that I am a prisoner; 14 and the greater part of the brethren, made confident in the Lord through my imprisonment, now speak of God's Message without fear, more boldly than ever. 15 Some indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and contentiousness but there are also others who do it from good will. 16 These latter preach Him from love to me, knowing that I am here for the defence of the Good News; 17 while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely, supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter, however? In any case Christ is preached--either perversely or in honest truth; and in that I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that it will result in my salvation through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 in fulfilment of my eager expectation and hope that I shall never have reason to feel ashamed, but that by my perfect freedom of speech Christ will be glorified in me, now as always, either by my life or by my death.
21 For, with me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But since to live means a longer stay on earth, that implies more labour for me--and not unsuccessful labour; and which I am to choose I cannot tell. 23 I am in a dilemma, my earnest desire being to depart and be with Christ, for that is far, far better. 24 But for your sakes it is more important that I should still remain in the body. 25 I am convinced of this, and I know that I shall remain, and shall go on working side by side with you all, to promote your progress and joy in the faith; 26 so that, as Christians, you may have additional reason for glorying about me as the result of my being with you again.