As we read this passage, immediately it feels a little difficult to follow. What we need to remember here is that this is a letter, not a theological essay. Meaning Paul is applying the teachings of Jesus to a particular situation. Part of the difficulty in understanding a letter is that it is only one side of the conversation. Have you ever heard someone talking on the phone and you only heard one side of the conversation. This requires you to piece together the rest of the conversation. This becomes even tricker when you far from the time and culture. Also, tone can be difficult to pick up and in this passage we see Paul using sarcasm. Here is what Jesus said about weakness and vulnerability Matthew 5:2-12 And qhe opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 r“Blessed are sthe poor in spirit, for utheirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are vthose who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the wmeek, for they wshall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and xthirst yfor righteousness, for they shall be s atisfied. 7 “Blessed are zthe merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are athe pure in heart, for bthey shall see God. 9 “Blessed are cthe peacemakers, for dthey shall be called esons1 of God. 10 f“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for utheirs is th e kingdom of heaven. 11 g“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely hon my account. 12 iRejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for jso they persecuted the prophets who were before you.