This work makes sense of the apostle Paul's paradoxical description of his ministry in 2 Corinthians: "When I am weak, then I am strong!" In an extensive inquiry into the thought-world of Roman Corinth, Savage demonstrates that the Corinthians are evaluating Paul according to the social standards of their day. Since this is the exact antithesis of his own perspective, Paul can only resort to paradox by way of defense.