Paul describes his boasting here as self-confident, foolish, and worldly. Although Paul had plenty of reasons to boast, not least being his Jewish heritage, Paul spoke of his life as a servant, not as a “super” apostle. Paul’s Iife was one of suffering: hard work, imprisonment, flogging, beatings almost to the point of death. Paul suffered countless dangers from many sides and in many ways. Paul boasted of his suffering life. Mostly, he boasted of his concern for the churches. Paul suffered as one bound to Christ in this way. He bore the weaknesses of others inwardly. He suffered whenever he saw God’s people being led into sin.

Paul did not boast of his strengths, but of his weaknesses. He boasted about his ministry, which from the beginning was a testimony of the salvation he found in Jesus. Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul’s departure from Damascus was marked by suffering, as he only escaped by being lowered in a basket. Paul’s life ever since was led by God for his purpose. His sufferings testified to God’s presence and God’s blessing.
Application: Lord, help me to surrender to you. Use me to bear with the weaknesses and sins of others until they meet Jesus as their Lord. Help me to know Jesus’ glory in this suffering life.
One Word: Meet Jesus in suffering