12. But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.
13. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
16. Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little.
17. What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
18. Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.
19. For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly.
20. For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, anyone devours you, anyone takes advantage of you, anyone exalts himself, anyone hits you in the face.
21. To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold-I speak in foolishness-I am just as bold myself.
22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
23. Are they servants of Christ?-I speak as if insane-I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.
24. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.
25. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.