¹⁰ We are fools for Christ,^(A) but you are so wise in Christ!^(B) We are weak, but you are strong!^(C) You are honored, we are dishonored!

³ I came to you^(A) in weakness^(B) with great fear and trembling.^(C)

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,^(A) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning^(B) is driving you insane.”

¹⁸ A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news^(A) about Jesus and the resurrection.^(B)

¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(A) you are blessed,^(B) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

⁹ We are glad whenever we are weak^(A) but you are strong;^(B) and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.^(C)

¹⁸ Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise^(A) by the standards of this age,^(B) you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.

⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.^(A)

³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.^(A) He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. ⁴ For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness,^(B) yet he lives by God’s power.^(C) Likewise, we are weak^(D) in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him^(E) in our dealing with you.