8. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
9. but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,” even though I am nothing.
12. The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13. In what way were you less privileged than the rest of the churches, except that on my part I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14. Now I am ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, for I want not what is yours, but you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children.
15. I will most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your sakes. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16. But granted that I myself did not burden you, yet I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.
17. Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you?
18. I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? And in the same steps?
19. Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved.