This Sunday evening we reflect on this passage in which Paul continues to defend his ministry against opponents in Corinth. To do so, Paul indulges in a little worldly boasting, pointing out the challenges he has faced and sacrifices he has made in following his call to be the Lord’s apostle to the Gentiles. But these boastings are not really in the way of the world because they point to things that would be perceived as weaknesses in the world. However, Paul is happy to boast in these apparent weaknesses, because they point to the way of Christ. As we boast in Christ in our lives, we can also boast in the ways he leads us to sacrifice for him, and so to reflect his character in this world.