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.
26. On frequent journeys, I faceddangers from rivers,dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles,dangers in the city,dangers in the open country,dangers on the sea,and dangers among false brothers;
27. labor and hardship,many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst,often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.
28. Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my care for all the churches.
29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
30. If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses.