so that you may always approve the better things, and be men of transparent character and blameless life,

Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].

but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.

For, as I see it, living means Christ and dying something even better.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

But for your sake it is better that I remain alive.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

In bitter hate I was cruel to the church; I kept all the righteousness of the law to the last detail.