7. Have I committed an offense in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8. I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9. And when I was present with you, and in want, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
10. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11. Why? because I love you not? God knows.
12. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them who desire occasion; that when they glory, they may be found even as we.
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
16. I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
17. That which I speak, I speak it not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18. Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will boast also.
19. For you put up with fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20. For you permit it, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes of you, if a man exalts himself, if a man smites you on the face.
21. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. But in whatsoever way any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.