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.

Concern for Their Faithfulness

11 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little ^(A)folly—and indeed you do bear with me.

⁶ For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Signs of an Apostle

¹¹ I have become ^(A)a fool ^[a]in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for ^(B)in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though ^(C)I am nothing.

²¹ To our shame ^(A)I say that we were too weak for that! But ^(B)in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Suffering for Christ

²² Are they ^(C)Hebrews? 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: ^(D)in labors more abundant, ^(E)in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, ^(F)in deaths often.

¹⁹ For you put up with fools gladly, ^(A)since you yourselves are wise!