12. Indeed, the signs of an apostle have been done among you with all patient endurance, both signs and wonders and deeds of power.
13. For in what respect are you made worse off more than the rest of the churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14. Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you. For I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15. But I will spend and be expended most gladly for your lives. If I love you much more, am I to be loved less?
16. But let it be. I have not been a burden to you, but because I was crafty, I took you by cunning.
17. I have not taken advantage of you through anyone whom I sent to you, have I?
18. I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same footsteps?
19. Have you been thinking all this time that we are defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and all these things, dear friends, are for your edification.
20. For I am afraid lest somehow when I arrive, I will not find you as I want, and I may be found by you as you do not want. I am afraid lest somehow there will be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, pride, disorder.