2 Corinthians 11:5-23

5Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.

6Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?

8I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

9And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.

10As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.

11And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.

13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

15So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

16I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

17What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool.

18Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.

19For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!

20For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.

21To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.

22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.

23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.