2 Corinthians 11:5-23

5For I consider myself not at all inferior to those “super-apostles.”

6And even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am certainly not so in knowledge. Indeed, we have made this plain to you in everything in every way.

7Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge?

8I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you!

9When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

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

11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about.

13For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

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

15Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

16I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

17What I am saying with this boastful confidence I do not say the way the Lord would. Instead it is, as it were, foolishness.

18Since many are boasting according to human standards, I too will boast.

19For since you are so wise, you put up with fools gladly.

20For you put up with it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone behaves arrogantly toward you, if someone strikes you in the face.

21(To my disgrace I must say that we were too weak for that!) But whatever anyone else dares to boast about (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing.

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

23Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.