2 Corinthians 11:1 - 12:6

Paul is still defending himself against the false teachers that have attempted to usurp the Church & twist it to benefit themselves rather than Christ. These men come in with a look-how-great-I-am attitude & belittle Paul and his works in order to gain the approval (and therefore, the control) of this powerful church. So, Paul says, I can boast too, if that is what you are looking for. You want foolishness based on worldly achievements, then fine - I'll give them to you. But realize that this is tongue-in-cheek. Paul specifically states that he will lower himself to these standards in order for the church to realized just how foolish these standards are. In reality, Paul would rather spend time boasting about the Lord, but in order to make a point, here he goes.

Paul is:
- a Hebrew
- an Israelite
- a descendant of Abraham
- a servant of Christ

Paul has endured:
- prison
- beatings, almost unto death
- 5 lashings consisting of 39 lashes each (this is considered one less lash than a death sentence)
- 3 beatings with rods
- a stoning
- 3 shipwrecks
- many dangers from his travels including the terrain & robbers
- Gentiles, countrymen, and false brethren have been out for his head
- exposure to the elements
- hunger to the point of starvation
- dehydration
- intense pressure to keep the churches healthy & going strong

Paul states he has endured all of these things & this is what he will boast about to prove his commitment to his calling. He will not boast about the things he has accomplished, instead he will boast about his weakness. For God gets the credit for the accomplishments & God gets the credit for protecting, healing, and guiding Paul in all things.

An interesting perspective isn't it - to understand that the things you have endured are what make you strong. It's not about what you accomplish, it's about the heart & attitude behind your accomplishments. It's about really believing that what you believe is really real - even when the going gets tough. Paul is all in, totally sold out to Christ. He is willing to endure all things in order to complete his calling & mission. And he is willing to give God all the credit. How's your attitude? Do you quit when it gets hard, or do you believe in what you're called to do enough to keep going in the most excellent way you can? It's a high calling & a lot to think about.