2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness. The first two words refer specifically to the taxing physical work in which Paul found it necessary to engage (1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8). To work at evangelism as Paul did was, in itself, a full-time task, and the time and energy taken to support himself were beyond what would be considered normal for any man. Consequently he must have often sacrificed sleep in order to have time for preaching (Acts 20:31) and for private devotions (1 Thess. 3:10). Paul was now but slightly past the mid-point of his 20 years of recorded public ministry, and the 10 most difficult years of suffering and persecution still lay ahead of him. What he records here is only a small part of what he endured for Christ’s sake.

Watchings. Or, “sleeplessness,” owing to extreme weariness, to concern for the welfare of the churches, or in order to work at tentmaking.

Hunger ...fastings. The context implies that Paul has in mind some kind of suffering imposed upon him by circumstances beyond his control. This would hardly be true of the ceremonial fasts of the Jews, or of voluntary fasting. Perhaps by “hunger” Paul refers to an inadequate diet, and by “fastings” to occasions when he had nothing whatever to eat.

Cold and nakedness. Perhaps Paul had, at times, lacked sufficient clothing in the mountainous regions of central Asia Minor, or perhaps he had suffered robbery.