II Corinthians 11:16-33

“I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst ...” (27). The Corinthians were being persuaded by so-called “super-apostles” (5) to follow leaders who were prideful and successful in worldly terms. In contrast, Paul described the life of an apostle who truly followed the Way of Jesus: hardship, danger, shipwrecks, beatings, and constant concern for the well-being of the churches (28). Genuine Christian leaders did not often look ‘successful’ in the world’s eyes.

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (30). When our confidence is in the Lord, we have the courage to seem ‘weak’ in front of others as we follow the pattern of Christ.