What is the context?
Paul states the direction of his boasting: he will speak of things that show his weakness. He calls on God, the Father of the Lord Jesus, as the One who knows he is telling the truth.
He recalls danger in Damascus. The governor under King Aretas secured the city to arrest him, and Paul escaped by being lowered in a basket through a window in the wall.
Acts 9:23–25 also describes a plot in Damascus and disciples helping him escape through the wall in a basket. Fellow believers provided the help he needed to get away.
The image fits the point Paul has just made. His account of service includes needing help and escaping danger in a vulnerable position. This is the story he chooses to tell as he turns toward boasting in weakness.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read the escape as an example of the weakness Paul has chosen to describe. Wesley’s notes on verses 30–33 explain the danger and escape; the USCCB note on verses 31–32 likewise connects the episode with weakness and deliverance.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.