St. Paul sometimes uses the analogy of the “aroma” or “fragrance” of Christ. In Ephesians 5:2, he speaks of the Messiah’s “fragrant offering” of himself to God on our behalf. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, St. Paul compares his spreading of the knowledge of Christ to the diffusion of an aroma. Likewise, he instructs the Philippians (4:18) to make their lives “a fragrant aroma,” a sacrifice pleasing to God.
