2 Corinthians 11:16-23

New King James Version

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. ¹⁷ What I speak, ^(A)I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. ¹⁸ Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. ¹⁹ For you put up with fools gladly, ^(B)since you yourselves are wise! ²⁰ For you put up with it ^(C)if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. ²¹ To our shame ^(D)I say that we were too weak for that! But ^(E)in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Suffering for Christ

²² Are they ^(F)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: ^(G)in labors more abundant, ^(H)in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, ^(I)in deaths often.