23.What did Paul consider himself to be?

An ambassador conducting his embassy while in chains.

Paul indeed was brought down to weakness by the Lord. A list of his various distresses can be found in the eleventh chapter of II Corinthians.

Paul had determined to rejoice in his weaknesses because of the Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ that continually was strengthening him in his various tribulations and chains.

There have been many ambassadors of nations throughout the history of mankind. Most of them have been treated with respect and have enjoyed the material advantages reserved for those of dignity and importance.

Paul was an ambassador in chains. But no other man, with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ, has so affected the course of the peoples of the earth. For nineteen hundred years the Apostle Paul has proclaimed the mystery of the Gospel from pole to pole, from continent to island, from village to metropolis. Truly the power of Christ is perfected in weakness.