13. For what is there that you have had which is less than the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this injury.
14. Behold, this is the third time I have prepared to come to you, and yet I will not be a burden to you. For I am seeking not the things that are yours, but you yourselves. And neither should the children store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15. And so, very willingly, I will spend and exhaust myself for the sake of your souls, loving you more, while being loved less.
16. And so be it. I have not burdened you, but instead, being astute, I obtained you by guile.
17. And yet, did I defraud you by means of any of those whom I sent to you?
18. I asked for Titus, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus defraud you? Did we not walk with the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?