8. I robbed other churches by taking a salary from them in order to serve you!
9. While I was with you, I didn’t burden any of you even though I needed things. The believers who came from Macedonia gave me everything I needed. I kept myself from being a financial drain on you in any way, and I will continue to keep myself from being a burden.
10. Since Christ’s truth is in me, I won’t stop telling the entire area of Greece that I’m proud of what I did.
11. Why? Is it because I don’t love you? God knows that I do!
12. But I’m going to continue to do what I’m doing. I want to contradict the claims of the people who want to be treated like they are the same as us because of what they brag about.
13. Such people are false apostles and dishonest workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
14. And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. It is no great surprise then that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
16. I repeat, no one should take me for a fool. But if you do, then allow me to be a fool so that I can brag like a fool for a bit.
17. I’m not saying what I’m saying because the Lord tells me to. I’m saying it like I’m a fool. I’m putting my confidence in this business of bragging.