11. I have been talking like a fool, but you made me do it. You people are the ones who should say good things about me. I am worth nothing, but those “super apostles” are not worth any more than I am!
12. When I was with you, I patiently did the things that prove I am an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles.
13. So you received everything that the other churches have received. Only one thing was different: I was not a burden to you. Forgive me for this!
14. I am now ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want any of the things you own. I only want you. Children should not have to save things to give to their parents. Parents should save to give to their children.
15. So I am happy to give everything I have for you. I will even give myself for you. If I love you more, will you love me less?
16. It is clear that I was not a burden to you, but you think that I was tricky and used lies to catch you.
17. Did I cheat you by using any of the men I sent to you? You know I didn’t.
18. I asked Titus to go to you, and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not cheat you, did he? No, you know that his actions and his attitude were the same as ours.
19. Do you think that we have been defending ourselves to you all this time? No, we say these things in Christ and before God. You are our dear friends, and everything we do is to make you stronger.