The Sign

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[a] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the LORD have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^[b] 18 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.

-Philippians 1:9-18