5. For I think I am not in any way inferior to the most eminent of the apostles.
6. Even though I am unpolished in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. All things about us have been thoroughly revealed to you.
7. Did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God free of charge?
8. I robbed other churches by accepting wages from them to serve you.
9. Furthermore, when I was present with you and was lacking, I was a burden to no one. For the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I lacked. In all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
10. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
12. And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us in what they boast about.
13. For such are false apostles and deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14. And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
16. I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.
19. For you tolerate fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.