⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight^(A) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,^(B) in persecutions,^(C) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(D)

²⁷ I have labored and toiled^(A) and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;^(B) I have been cold and naked.

⁸ We are hard pressed on every side,^(A) but not crushed; perplexed,^(B) but not in despair;

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(B) whether living in plenty or in want.^(C)

¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.^{(A) 12} We work hard with our own hands.^(B) When we are cursed, we bless;^(C) when we are persecuted,^(D) we endure it;

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?^(A) Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?^{(B) 36} As it is written:

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(B) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope.

¹² I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.^(A)