21 I speak with regard to reproach, as though we had been weak
- I say, "Bear with me," even on supposition that the weakness be real
which they reproach me with.
22 Are they Hebrews, Israelites, the seed of Abraham - These were the
heads on which they boasted.
23 I am more so than they. In deaths often - Surrounding me in the most
dreadful forms.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty stripes save one - Which
was the utmost that the law allowed. With the Romans he sometimes pleaded
his privilege as a Roman; but from the Jews he suffered all things.
25 Thrice I have been shipwrecked - Before his voyage to Rome. In the
deep - Probably floating on some part of the vessel.
27 In cold and nakedness - Having no place where to lay my head; no
convenient raiment to cover me; yet appearing before noble - men, governors,
kings; and not being ashamed.
28 Beside the things which are from without - Which I suffer on the
account of others; namely, the care of all the churches - A more modest
expression than if he had said, the care of the whole church. All - Even
those I have not seen in the flesh. St. Peter himself could not have said
this in so strong a sense.
29 Who - So he had not only the care of the churches, but of every person
therein. Is weak, and I am not weak - By sympathy, as well as by condescension.
Who is offended - Hindered in, or turned out of, the good way. And I burn
not - Being pained as though I had fire in my bosom.
30 I will glory of the things that concern my infirmities - Of what
shows my weakness, rather than my strength.
