In the Roman culture the triumphal military procession was accompanied by the smell of sweet odors released from the burning of spices along the parade route. To a Roman citizen, the sweet smell symbolized reinvigorated security and stability. On the contrary, to a slave or non-citizen living in Rome, the aroma was bitter, signifying more servitude or restricted privileges. The spiritual implications are clear. The great end of our lives is to make Christ known.
Fragrances normally dominate or influence their environment.
The distinctiveness of your witness will stand as a rebuke to many. The purpose of a fragrance is to influence and dominate its environment. In the early church a number of bogus preachers and false prophets peddled an erroneous Gospel. People knew that Paul was a genuine Christian because the Gospel he preached brought transformation in the lives of those who heard it. The people converted under his preaching were living and moving monuments to the authenticity of the Gospel.