2 Corinthians 11:16-33

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

[16] I say  again,  no  man  think  a fool;  if otherwise,  yet  as  a fool  receive  that  may boast myself  [17] That which  I speak,  it not  after  the Lord,  but  as  it were foolishly,  confidence  of boasting.  [18] Seeing that  many  glory  after  the flesh,  I will glory  also.  [19] For  ye suffer  fools  gladly,  wise.  [20] For  ye suffer,  into bondage,  devour  take  exalt himself,  smite  on  the face.  [21] I speak  as concerning  reproach,  as  though  had been weak.  Howbeit  whereinsoever  any  is bold,  (I speak  foolishly,)  I am bold  also.  [22] Hebrews?  so am I.  Israelites?  so am I.  the seed  of Abraham?  so am I.  [23] ministers  of Christ?  (I speak  as a fool  ) I  am more;  in  labours  in  stripes  above measure,  in  prisons  in  deaths  oft.  [24] Of  the Jews  five times  received I  forty  stripes save  [25] Thrice  was I beaten with rods,  once  was I stoned,  thrice  I suffered shipwreck,  a night and a day  I have been  in  the deep;  [26] In journeyings  often,  in perils  of waters,  in perils  of robbers,  in perils  by  mine own countrymen,  in perils  by  the heathen,  in perils  in  the city,  in perils  in  the wilderness,  in perils  in  the sea,  in perils  among  false brethren;  [27] In  weariness  and  painfulness,  in  watchings  often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastings  often,  in  cold  and  nakedness.  [28] Beside  those things that are without,  that which  cometh upon  daily,  the care  of all  the churches.  [29] Who  is weak,  and  not  weak?  who  is offended,  and  burn  not?  [30] If  I must needs  glory,  of the things which concern  infirmities.  [31] The God  and  Father  Lord  Jesus  which  blessed  for  evermore,  knoweth  that I  lie  not.  [32] In  Damascus  the governor  under Aretas  the king  the city  of the Damascenes  with a garrison,  to apprehend  [33] And  through  a window  in  a basket  was I let down  by  the wall,  and  escaped  his  hands. 

What does 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

To answer his critics and prove the extent of his own service and sufferings for Christ, Paul related many of his painful experiences as an apostle.