¹⁰

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

¹¹

I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.

¹²

Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

¹³

For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

¹⁴

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

¹⁵

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

¹⁶

But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!

¹⁷

Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?

¹⁸

I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

¹⁹

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.