²³ except that ^(A)the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

²³ Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: ^(A)in labors more abundant, ^(B)in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, ^(C)in deaths often. ²⁴ From the Jews five times I received ^(D)forty ^(E)stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was ^(F)beaten with rods; ^(G)once I was stoned; three times I ^(H)was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, ^(I)in perils of my own countrymen, ^(J)in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, ^(K)in sleeplessness often, ^(L)in hunger and thirst, in ^(M)fastings often, in cold and nakedness— ²⁸ besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: ^(N)my deep concern for all the churches.

The Thorn in the Flesh

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a ^(A)thorn in the flesh was given to me, ^(B)a messenger of Satan to ^[a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ^8 (C)Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly ^(D)I will rather boast in my infirmities, ^(E)that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore ^(F)I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. ^(G)For when I am weak, then I am strong.

¹⁷ From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

²⁹ For to you ^(A)it has been granted on behalf of Christ, ^(B)not only to believe in Him, but also to ^(C)suffer for His sake,