11. Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows that I do.
12. But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours.
13. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
14. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
16. Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little.
17. Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool.
18. And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.
19. After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools!
20. You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.
21. I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too.
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 know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.