Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 11:21-23, Talking Like a Madman

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

Paul now portrays himself as the foolish righteous sufferer whom God will vindicate one day as opposed to the false prophets who sought their own comfort, position, privilege, and power. He wants them to know he is truly part of the New Covenant people as an offspring of Abraham and a servant of Christ.

O Thou who in almighty power wast weak, and in perfect excellency wast lowly, grant unto us the same mind. All that we have which is our own is naught; if we have any good in us it is wholly thy gift. O Savior, since thou, the Lord of heaven and earth, didst humble thyself, grant unto us true humility, and make us like thyself; and then, of thine infinite goodness, raise us to thine everlasting glory; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost for ever and ever.

Thomas Cranmer, 1489-1556