Paul paints and interesting picture of Christ in 2 Corinthians 2:14, But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. In the Roman empire, when a general would return from a successful military engagement, the Romans would have a triumphal procession where the general would display his conquered treasures and captives in a cloud of incense offered up to their gods. It was the sweet aroma of victory to the Romans and the smell of slavery and death to the captives. When we preach the gospel, it is good news to some and repugnant to others. Believers recognize the fragrance as life-giving and non-believers are reminded of the hopelessness they live in.