12. And I will continue doing what I am doing now, because I want to stop those people from having a reason to brag. They would like to say that the work they brag about is the same as ours.
13. Such men are not true apostles but are workers who lie. They change themselves to look like apostles of Christ.
14. This does not surprise us. Even Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light.
15. So it does not surprise us if Satan’s servants also make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end they will be punished for what they do.
16. I tell you again: No one should think I am a fool. But if you think so, accept me as you would accept a fool. Then I can brag a little, too.
17. When I brag because I feel sure of myself, I am not talking as the Lord would talk but as a fool.
18. Many people are bragging about their lives in the world. So I will brag too.
19. You are wise, so you will gladly be patient with fools!
20. You are even patient with those who order you around, or use you, or trick you, or think they are better than you, or hit you in the face.
21. It is shameful to me to say this, but we were too “weak” to do those things to you!But if anyone else is brave enough to brag, then I also will be brave and brag. (I am talking as a fool.)
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they from Abraham’s family? So am I.