8. I robbed other of Moshiach's Kehillot, did I, in taking wages from them for the avodas kodesh work I did for you? [Pp 4:15]
9. And when I was present with you and I had lack, I did not burden anyone, [2C 12:13] for my lack was made up by the Achim b'Moshiach who came from Macedonia. So I was shomer not to make myself a burden to you and in that I will remain shomer.
10. As HaEmes of Moshiach is in me, that particular boasting of mine will not be silenced [1C 9:15] in the regions of Achaia!
11. Why? Because I do not have ahavah for you? Hashem knows that I do!
12. But what I do I will also continue to do in order to deny an opening to those who are looking for an opening by their ravrevan (braggart) boasting to be recognized as equals with us.
13. For such ones are shlichei sheker, deceitful po'alim, [Pp 3:2], transforming themselves in a masquerade as shlichim of Moshiach.
14. And no wonder! For even Hasatan transforms himself into a malach ohr (an angel of light);
15. It is no big 'megillah,' therefore, if also Hasatan's ministers transform themselves as ministers of Tzedek. Their end will be according to their ma'asim.
16. Listen here, let no one think me a tipesh (idiot). But if you do think me a yold (fool), then receive me as a yold that I, too, may boast ki hu zeh (a small amount). [2C 12:6]
17. What I speak in this bitachon of boasting, I speak not according to Moshiach Adoneinu, but as a yold.
18. Als (since) many boast according to the basar, I also will boast.
19. For magnanimously you put up with fools, being such talmidei chachomim yourselves!
20. For you put up with it quite well, if anyone trades you into slavery, if anyone turns you into their supper, if anyone lifts your wallet, if anyone exalts himself into your gontser macher, if anyone gives you a klop in the ponem.
21. To my bushah, I say that we were too weak for that! But, nevertheless, in whatever way anyone may have chutzpah in foolishness, I also will speak with chutzpah.