2 Corinthians 11:5-23

5For I suppose I was not a bit behind the very greatest apostles. 6But though I am rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made evident among you in all things. 7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God without charge? 8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9And when I was present with you, and in need, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself . 10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.1 11Why? because I love you not? God knoweth. 12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them who desire occasion; that in what they glory, they may be found even as we. 13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.2 17That which I speak, I speak it not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19For ye bear with fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20For ye bear with it, if a man bringeth you into bondage, if a man devoureth you, if a man taketh from you, if a man exalteth himself, if a man smiteth you on the face. 21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. But in whatever respect any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

22Are they Hebrews? so amI. Are they Israelites? so amI. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.