¹⁸ Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.

²⁴ because

³ For we are ^(A)the circumcision, ^(B)who worship ^[a]God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ though ^(C)I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I ^(D)more so:

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.

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly ^(A)I will rather boast in my infirmities, ^(B)that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

⁵ Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not ^(A)boast, except in my infirmities. 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.

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.

¹² But what I do, I will also continue to do, ^(A)that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

Limits of Paul’s Authority

^12 (A)For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ^13 (B)We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. ¹⁴ For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), ^(C)for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; ¹⁵ not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, ^(D)in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, ¹⁶ to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

¹⁷ But ^(E)“he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For ^(F)not he who commends himself is approved, but ^(G)whom the Lord commends.