12 The 1asigns 2of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by 1signs and wonders and 3miracles.

13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that aI myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me bthis wrong!

14 Here afor this third time I am ready to come to you, and I bwill not be a burden to you; for I cdo not seek what is yours, but dyou; for echildren are not responsible to save up for their parents, but fparents for their children.

15 I will amost gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If bI love you more, am I to be loved less?

16 But be that as it may, I adid not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I btook you in by deceit.

17 aCertainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?

18 I aurged bTitus to go, and I sent cthe brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not 1conduct ourselves 2in the same dspirit and walk ein the same steps?

19 All this time 1you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, ait is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and ball for your upbuilding, cbeloved.