我被犹太人打过五次，每次四十下减去一下，被棍打过三次，被石头打过一次，三次遇着船坏，在深海里飘了一昼一夜；多次行远路，遇着江河的危险、强盗的危险、同族的危险、外族的危险、城中的危险、旷野的危险、海上的危险、假弟兄的危险； 劳碌辛苦，多次不得睡觉，又饥又渴，多次缺粮，赤身挨冷。
如果必须夸口，我就夸自己的弱点。主耶稣的父神是应当永远受称颂的，他知道我没有说谎。(哥林多后书 11:24-27, 30-31)
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. (2 Corinthians 11:24-27, 30-31)
God gave Paul the grace and endurance to risk his life to tell people about Jesus with no thought of personal gain.
Whether we receive persecution or praise for our service to the Lord, may our focus always be loyalty to Him and gratitude for His sacrifice of love.
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