21 I speak as concerning the [a]reproach: as though that we had been [b]weak: but wherein any man is bold (I speak foolishly) I am bold also.

22 They are Hebrews, (A)so am I: they are Israelites, so am I: they are the seed of Abraham, so am I.

23 They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as a fool) I am [c]more: in labors more abundant: in stripes above measure: in prison more plenteously: in [d]death oft.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:21 As if he said, in respect of that reproach which they do unto you (I speak it) which surely is as evil as if they did beat you.
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:21 Paul is called weak, in that he seemeth to the Corinthians a vile and abject man, a beggarly artificer, a most wretched and miserable idiot, whereas notwithstanding therein God’s mighty power was made manifest.
  3. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Paul being honorable indeed, defendeth his ministry openly, not for his own sake, but because he saw his doctrine come into hazard.
  4. 2 Corinthians 11:23 In danger of present death.

21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak(A) for that!

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.(B) 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I.(C) Are they Israelites? So am I.(D) Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.(E) 23 Are they servants of Christ?(F) (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder,(G) been in prison more frequently,(H) been flogged more severely,(I) and been exposed to death again and again.(J)

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