16. I repeat: No one should consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, so I too may boast a little.
17. What I say in this matter of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but foolishly.
18. Since many boast in an unspiritual way, I will also boast.
19. For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools!
20. In fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone captures you, if someone dominates you, or if someone hits you in the face.
21. I say this to our shame: We have been weak.But in whatever anyone dares to boast — I am talking foolishly — I also dare:
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I.Are they Israelites? So am I.Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23. Are they servants of Christ?I’m talking like a madman — I’m a better one:with far more labors,many more imprisonments,far worse beatings, near death many times.
24. Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews.
25. Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a dayin the open sea.