2 Corinthians 11:16-33 - Paul Boasts In His Sufferings
16 Let me say again that no one must think that I am a fool, but if you do, please treat me like a fool and let me do a little boasting too, as other fools do. 17 But when I talk in this boastful confidence, I am not talking in accordance with the way the Lord talked, but just as a fool talks. 18 Since many boast in accordance with their human nature, I will do it too. 19 For you who are so wise yourselves are glad to listen to fools! 20 For you listen to a man, if he makes you his slave, or spends your money for his living, or cheats you, or puts on airs, or slaps you in the face. 21 I am ashamed to say that I was, as it were, so weak in the matter. And yet in whatever respect anyone else is daring to boast -- I am talking like a fool -- I too will dare to boast.
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? So am I. I am talking like a man that has gone crazy -- as such I am superior! -- serving Him with labors greater by far, with far more imprisonments, with floggings vastly worse, and often at the point of death. 24 Five times I have taken thirty-nine lashes from the Jews, 25 three times I have been beaten by the Romans, once I was pelted with stones; three times I have been shipwrecked, and once I have spent a day and a night adrift at sea. 26 I have served Him on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the heathen, dangers in the city, dangers in the desert, dangers at sea, dangers from false brothers, 27 through toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, through hunger and thirst, through many a fasting season, poorly clad and exposed to cold.
28 Besides all other things, there is my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak too? Who is caused to fall without my being fired with indignation? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness! 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows that I am telling the truth. 32 At Damascus the governor under King Aretas kept guards watching the city gates to capture me, 33 but through a hole in the wall I was lowered in a basket, and so escaped from his clutches.