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,

⁵⁰ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”^(A)

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us^(A)

³⁸ “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”^(B)

³⁹ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰ for whoever is not against us is for us.^(C)

¹¹ Whether, then, it is I or they,^(A) this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(A) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(B)

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.^{(C) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(D) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^(E)