Paul Tells About His Sufferings

¹⁶ I tell you again: No one should think I am a fool. But if you think so, accept me as you would accept a fool. Then I can ·brag [boast] a little, too. ¹⁷ ·When I brag because I feel sure of myself [By boasting so confidently], I am not talking ·as the Lord would talk [or with the Lord’s authority; ^Laccording to the Lord] but as a fool. ¹⁸ Many people are ·bragging [boasting] ·about their lives in the world [or as the world does; or by human standards; ^Laccording to the flesh]. So I will ·brag [boast] too. ¹⁹ You are wise, so you will gladly be patient with fools! [^CPaul sarcastically suggests that the “wise” Corinthians, who listened to the false apostles, would surely listen to his “foolishness.”] ²⁰ You ·are even patient [bear; put up] with those who ·order you around [^Lenslave you], or ·use you [exploit you; ^Ldevour (your possessions)], or ·trick [take advantage of] you, or ·think they are better than you [act arrogantly; put on airs], or ·hit [slap] you in the face. ²¹ It is shameful to me to say this, but we were too “weak” to do those things to you!

But if anyone else ·is brave enough [dares] to ·brag [boast], then I also will ·be brave and brag [dare to boast]. (I am talking as a fool.)