 There was much that Paul could have boasted in, much that Paul could have gloried in, much that Paul could have mentioned in his introduction to this dear church in Rome, much that it could have bolstered his reputation in the eyes of this church. I've seen the resurrected Christ, Paul could have said, signs and wonders done through my hands. I, Paul, could have said, I am a somebody in the eyes of this world, maybe. That's not where Paul begins. Have you noticed those things that this world would often commend? Are those very things that are despised by God? He who glories, let him glory in the Lord. Paul says, I am a slave of Jesus Christ. It's not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. Amen.