Paul Boasts About His Sufferings

16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool.(A) But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17 In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would,(B) but as a fool.(C) 18 Since many are boasting in the way the world does,(D) I too will boast.(E) 19 You gladly put up with(F) fools since you are so wise!(G) 20 In fact, you even put up with(H) anyone who enslaves you(I) or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. 21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak(J) for that!

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.(K)

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Paul’s Sufferings for Christ

16 I repeat: No one should consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, so I too may boast a little. 17 What I say in this matter[a] of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but foolishly. 18 Since many boast in an unspiritual way,[b] I will also boast. 19 For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools!(A) 20 In fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours(B) you, if someone captures you, if someone dominates you, or if someone hits(C) you in the face. 21 I say this to our shame: We have been weak.

But in whatever anyone dares to boast—I am talking foolishly—I also dare:

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:17 Or business, or confidence
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:18 Lit boast according to the flesh