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:
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I.Are they Israelites? So am I.Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23. Are they servants of Christ?I’m talking like a madman — I’m a better one:with far more labors,many more imprisonments,far worse beatings, near death many times.
24. Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews.
25. Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a dayin the open sea.
26. On frequent journeys, I faceddangers from rivers,dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles,dangers in the city,dangers in the open country,dangers on the sea,and dangers among false brothers;
27. labor and hardship,many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst,often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.
28. Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my care for all the churches.
29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
30. If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses.
31. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is praised forever, knows I am not lying.
32. In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me,