Paul and False Apostles

⁵ For I consider that ^(A)I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.

²¹ To our shame ^(A)I say that we were too weak for that! But ^(B)in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Suffering for Christ

²² Are they ^(C)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: ^(D)in labors more abundant, ^(E)in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, ^(F)in deaths often. ²⁴ From the Jews five times I received ^(G)forty ^(H)stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was ^(I)beaten with rods; ^(J)once I was stoned; three times I ^(K)was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, ^(L)in perils of my own countrymen, ^(M)in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, ^(N)in sleeplessness often, ^(O)in hunger and thirst, in ^(P)fastings often, in cold and nakedness— ²⁸ besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: ^(Q)my deep concern for all the churches. ^29 (R)Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

³⁰ If I must boast, ^(S)I will boast in the things which concern my ^[a]infirmity.

Reality of Paul’s Authority

^7 (A)Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? ^(B)If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even ^[a]so ^(C)we are Christ’s.