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)

¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,^(A) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing^(B) with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

⁹ Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(A) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^{(B) 10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.^{(C) 11} Anyone who welcomes them shares^(D) in their wicked work.

⁴⁰ They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Seven Woes on the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees

¹³ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!^(A) You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.^(B)

¹⁹ Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?^(A)