Bible Dictionary
TRIUMPH
A triumph was a Roman victory procession honoring a conquering general, with spoils, captives, soldiers, and incense. Paul uses this familiar image to describe God’s triumph in Christ and the differing effects of the gospel on believers and unbelievers.
Biblical Usage
Paul uses the triumph as an image of God’s victory in Christ and of the public defeat of hostile powers. The gospel is a fragrance of life to those being saved and a fragrance of death to those who perish.