7. Did I commit a sin when I humbled myself by telling you the Good News of God free of charge so that you could become important?
8. I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to serve you.
9. When I was with you and needed something, I didn’t bother any of you for help. My friends from the province of Macedonia supplied everything I needed. I kept myself from being a financial burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do that.
10. As surely as I have Christ’s truth, my bragging will not be silenced anywhere in Greece.
11. Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows that I do love you.
12. But I’ll go on doing what I’m doing. This will take away the opportunity of those people who want to brag because they think they’re like us.
13. People who brag like this are false apostles. They are dishonest workers, since they disguise themselves as Christ’s apostles.
14. And no wonder, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. So it’s not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants who have God’s approval. In the end they will get what they deserve.
16. Again I say that no one should think that I’m a fool. But if you do, then take me for a fool so that I can also brag a little.
17. What I say as I start bragging is foolishness. It’s not something I would say if I were speaking for the Lord.
18. Since it’s common for people to brag, I’ll do it too.
19. You’re wise, so you’ll gladly put up with fools.
20. When someone makes you slaves, consumes your wealth, seizes your property, orders you around, or slaps your faces, you put up with it.
21. I’m ashamed to admit it, but Timothy and I don’t have the strength to do those things to you.Whatever other people dare to brag about, I, like a fool, can also brag about.
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.
23. Are they Christ’s servants? It’s insane to say it, but I’m a far better one. I’ve done much more work, been in prison many more times, been beaten more severely, and have faced death more often.