11. I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I should have been endorsed by you, since I am not in any way inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
12. The signs of an apostle were performed with great endurance among you — not only signs but also wonders and miracles.
13. So in what way were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I personally did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14. Now I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, for I am not seeking what is yours, but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15. I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16. Now granted, I have not burdened you; yet sly as I am, I took you in by deceit!
17. Did I take advantage of you by anyone I sent you?
18. I urged Titus to come, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit and in the same footsteps?