⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed,^(A) brothers and sisters,^[a] about the troubles we experienced^(B) in the province of Asia.^(C) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(A) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^(B)

²² Are they Hebrews? So am I.^(A) Are they Israelites? So am I.^(B) Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.^{(C) 23} Are they servants of Christ?^(D) (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder,^(E) been in prison more frequently,^(F) been flogged more severely,^(G) and been exposed to death again and again.^{(H) 24} Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes^(I) minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods,^(J) once I was pelted with stones,^(K) three times I was shipwrecked,^(L) I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶ I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews,^(M) in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city,^(N) in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.^{(O) 27} I have labored and toiled^(P) and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;^(Q) I have been cold and naked. ²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.^{(R) 29} Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?^(S) Who is led into sin,^(T) and I do not inwardly burn?