Paul takes on the role of a fool to share the joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses of his ministry. In reality, he highlights more weaknesses than strengths. This pretend foolishness gives us an impressive view of a constant model for apostles and Christian leaders.
Only the ‘cross of Christ’ that an apostle bears confirms his legitimacy and the authority of his apostolate. This is the core lesson Paul teaches us here. He concludes by calling God as his witness that everything he has said is true, and he states that if he has anything to boast about, it is his weakness.