Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.
Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.
Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.
I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;
I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:24-28
The Corinthians church was quick to entertain false teachers and tolerate those who brought doctrines other than Paul had taught. He reminded them that he had earned the right to be heard by loving them, sharing from his immense learning and revelation from God. Paul was not a financial burden to the believers, though others were. And in one beautiful moment of insanity (not really), he goes on a tirade reminding them what he has endured for the sake of the gospel. Its priceless!
How much danger have I encountered in following Christ? What suffering am I willing to endure?
God, I am such a wimp.
