7. Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed to you God’s Good News free of charge?
8. I robbed other communities by taking wages from them for service to you.
9. When I was present with you and I was in need, I did not burden anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. In everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so.
10. As the truth of Messiah is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
11. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
12. But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off the opportunity from those who want an opportunity in what they boast about to also be regarded just as we are.
13. For such men are false emissaries, deceitful workers masquerading as Messiah’s emissaries.
14. And no wonder, for even satan masquerades as an angel of light.
15. It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their deeds.
16. I say again, let no one consider me to be a fool. But if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17. What I am saying, I am saying not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this self-confident boasting.
18. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.