17. That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
18. Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast.
19. For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise.
20. For you bear with a man, if he brings you into bondage, if he devours you, if he takes you captive, if he exalts himself, if he strikes you on the face.
21. I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet in whatever way anyone is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the offspring of Abraham? So am I.
23. Are they servants of Messiah? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labours more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.