13. Anyway, they are no more than false apostles and dishonest workers. They only pretend to be apostles of Christ.
14. And it is no wonder. Even Satan tries to make himself look like an angel of light.
15. So why does it seem strange for Satan's servants to pretend to do what is right? Some day they will get exactly what they deserve.
16. I don't want any of you to think that I am a fool. But if you do, then let me be a fool and boast a little.
17. When I do all this boasting, I do it as a fool and not for the Lord.
18. Yet if others want to boast about what they have done, so will I.
19. And since you are so clever, you will gladly put up with a fool.
20. In fact, you let people make slaves of you and cheat you and steal from you. Why, you even let them strut around and slap you in the face.
21. I am ashamed to say that we are too weak to behave in such a way.If they can boast, so can I, but it is a foolish thing to do.
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I.
23. Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often.
24. Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip.
25. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea.
26. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers.
27. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm.
28. Besides everything else, each day I am burdened down, worrying about all the churches.
29. When others are weak, I am weak too. When others are tricked into sin, I get angry.