7. And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me.
8. For which thing thrice I besought the Lord, that it might depart from me.
9. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee; for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10. For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.
11. I am become foolish: you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you: for I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing.
12. Yet the signs of my apostleship have been wrought on you, in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13. For what is there that you have had less than the other churches, but that I myself was not burthensome to you? Pardon me this injury.
14. Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15. But I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls; although loving you more, I be loved less.
16. But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile.
17. Did I overreach you by any of them whom I sent to you?