9. When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way.
10. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.
11. Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do!
12. But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about.
13. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their destiny will be according to their works.
16. I repeat: No one should consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, so I too may boast a little.
17. What I say in this matter of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but foolishly.
18. Since many boast in an unspiritual way, I will also boast.
19. For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools!
20. In fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone captures you, if someone dominates you, or if someone hits you in the face.
21. I say this to our shame: We have been weak.But in whatever anyone dares to boast — I am talking foolishly — I also dare:
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I.Are they Israelites? So am I.Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23. Are they servants of Christ?I’m talking like a madman — I’m a better one:with far more labors,many more imprisonments,far worse beatings, near death many times.
24. Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews.
25. Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a dayin the open sea.
26. On frequent journeys, I faceddangers from rivers,dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles,dangers in the city,dangers in the open country,dangers on the sea,and dangers among false brothers;
27. labor and hardship,many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst,often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.
28. Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my care for all the churches.