16. I repeat then, let no one think I have lost my wits; but even if you do, then bear with a witless man, so that I too may boast a little.
17. What I say by way of this confident boasting, I say not with the Lord's authority [by inspiration] but, as it were, in pure witlessness.
18. [For] since many boast of worldly things and according to the flesh, I will glory (boast) also.
19. For you readily and gladly bear with the foolish, since you are so smart and wise yourselves!
20. For you endure it if a man assumes control of your souls and makes slaves of you, or devours [your substance, spends your money] and preys upon you, or deceives and takes advantage of you, or is arrogant and puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
21. To my discredit, I must say, we have shown ourselves too weak [for you to show such tolerance of us and for us to do strong, courageous things like that to you]! But in whatever any person is bold and dares [to boast]–mind you, I am speaking in this foolish (witless) way–I also am bold and dare [to boast].
22. They are Hebrews? So am I! They are Israelites? So am I! They are descendants of Abraham? So am I!
23. Are they [ministering] servants of Christ (the Messiah)? I am talking like one beside himself, [but] I am more, with far more extensive and abundant labors, with far more imprisonments, [beaten] with countless stripes, and frequently [at the point of] death.
24. Five times I received from [the hands of] the Jews forty [lashes all] but one; [Deut. 25:3.]
25. Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been aboard a ship wrecked at sea; a [whole] night and a day I have spent [adrift] on the deep;