⁴ But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew^(A) to about five thousand.

⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number^(A) that day.

⁹ for which I am suffering^(A) even to the point of being chained^(B) like a criminal. But God’s word^(C) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(D) for the sake of the elect,^(E) that they too may obtain the salvation^(F) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(G)

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(A) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(B) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(C)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{(D) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(E) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{(F) 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.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

¹⁴ But thanks be to God,^(A) who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma^(B) of the knowledge^(C) of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma^(D) of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.^{(E) 16} To the one we are an aroma that brings death;^(F) to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?^{(G) 17} Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.^(H) On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity,^(I) as those sent from God.^(J)

²⁴ Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.^(A)

²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,^(A) it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.