Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
As the apostle Paul is defending his status, he uses a different set of standards than we are used to hearing. Instead of his accomplishments, Paul uses his suffering to justify his position as an apostle. Many leaders may use their achievements to gain our ear, but it is the pain that we suffer in this life that uniquely qualifies us to speak to others. To lead from weakness is precious to God, for it gives us an empathy with others that cannot be accomplished through achievement. ~ Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
