Paul was now full of faith and hope. He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God in Corinth, and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart. He and his fellow laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth, by going forth with new zeal to extend the knowledge of the Saviour. Like incense the fragrance of the gospel was to be diffused throughout the world. To those who should accept Christ, the message would be a savor of life unto life; but to those who should persist in unbelief, a savor of death unto death.

Nu var Paulus fuld af tro og håb. Han følte, at Satan ikke skulle sejre over Guds værk i Korint og med lovprisning udøste han sit hjertes taknemmelighed. Han og hans medarbejdere skulle fejre deres sejr over Kristi og sandhedens fjender ved at gå frem med fornyet iver for at udbrede kundskaben om Frelseren. Ligesom røgelse skulle evangeliets duft spredes over hele verden. For dem, der ville modtage Kristus, skulle budskabet blive en duft til liv; men for dem, der ville modstå det, en duft af død til død.