Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(A) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(B) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(C) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(D) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(E)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(F) in my troubles.

²⁴ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes^(A) minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods,^(B) once I was pelted with stones,^(C) three times I was shipwrecked,^(D) 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,^(E) in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city,^(F) in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.^{(G) 27} I have labored and toiled^(H) and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;^(I) I have been cold and naked. ²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.^(J)