Paul begins a session of theology and apology for his apostleship. He starts with thanksgiving to God for being associated with Christ’s triumphal procession. He rejoices in being a prisoner for Christ, spreading his fragrance, which is the preaching of the Gospel. It is normal that the Gospel, proclaimed from poverty and contradiction, is difficult to accept. It has always been this way. If proclaiming the Gospel is a matter of life and death, what credentials will prove the authenticity of the Apostle? Who is worthy of it? (16). Only those who, like him, “speak sincerely, as envoys of God, in the presence of God, and as members of Christ” (17).