8. For this I thrice besought the Lord that it might depart from me.
9. And he said to me, My grace suffices thee; for my power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may dwell upon me.
10. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ: for when I am weak, then I am powerful.
11. I have become a fool; ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.
12. The signs indeed of the apostle were wrought among you in all endurance, signs, and wonders, and works of power.
13. For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in laziness a charge upon you? Forgive me this injury.
14. Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be in laziness a charge; for I do not seek yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15. Now I shall most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your souls, if even in abundantly loving you I should be less loved.
16. But be it so. I did not burden you, but being crafty I took you by guile.
17. Did I make gain of you by any of those whom I have sent to you?