⁴ But in all things we commend ourselves ^(A)as ministers of God: in much ^[a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

¹⁰ Therefore ^(A)I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. ^(B)For when I am weak, then I am strong.

²⁷ in weariness and toil, ^(A)in sleeplessness often, ^(B)in hunger and thirst, in ^(C)fastings often, in cold and nakedness—

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

¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, ^(A)to be content: ^12 (B)I know how to ^[a]be abased, and I know how to ^[b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

¹¹ To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. ^12 (A)And we labor, working with our own hands. ^(B)Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

³ And not only that, but ^(A)we also glory in tribulations, ^(B)knowing that tribulation produces ^[a]perseverance; ^4 (C)and perseverance, ^[b]character; and character, hope.

^12 (A)Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and ^(B)wonders and mighty ^(C)deeds.