12. I beg you, brothers and sisters, become like me, because I have become like you. You have done me no wrong!
13. But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you,
14. and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!
15. Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!
16. So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17. They court you eagerly, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you would seek them eagerly.
18. However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.
19. My children – I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you!