2 Corinthians 11:5–23
5 For I consider that iI am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though jI am untrained in speech, yet I am not kin knowledge. But lwe have 2been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.
7 Did I commit sin in 3humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you mfree of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, nI was a burden to no one, for what I lacked othe brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 pAs the truth of Christ is in me, qno one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? rBecause I do not love you? God knows!
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, sthat I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such tare false apostles, udeceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into van angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, wwhose end will be according to their works.
16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, xI speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, ysince you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it zif one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame aI say that we were too weak for that! But bin whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.
22 Are they cHebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: din labors more abundant, ein stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, fin deaths often.