Beaten by the Jews five times. Flogged by the Romans three times. Shipwrecked three times. Stoned once and left for dead. And in prison more times than I can even recall. I have also spent a night and day adrift on the open sea. During my frequent travels I have been in constant danger from rivers, floods, robbers, my own countrymen and foreigners. I have been in danger in the town, in the country, at sea, and from false Christians I have known exhaustion and exposure, physical pain and personal hurt, hunger and thirst. And in addition to that I feel the burden of all the churches. Nevertheless, I believe God, and I have learnt to be content, both in His work and His will. I have fought a good fight I have finished my course. And I have kept the faith for which I am about to be put to death.
This is my story. Paul, Apostle and servant of Jesus Christ.
