Reluctant Boasting

16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, xI speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, ysince you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it zif one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame aI say that we were too weak for that! But bin whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Suffering for Christ

22 Are they cHebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: din labors more abundant, ein stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, fin deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received gforty hstripes minus one. 25 Three times I was ibeaten with rods; jonce I was stoned; three times I kwas shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, lin perils of my own countrymen, min perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, nin sleeplessness often, oin hunger and thirst, in pfastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: qmy deep concern for all the churches. 29 rWho is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

30 If I must boast, sI will boast in the things which concern my 4infirmity. 31 tThe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, uwho is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 vIn Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.