2 Corinthians 11:5-23

5For I consider myself in no way inferior to the “super special” emissaries.

6Even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge. No, in every way we have made this clear to you in all things.

7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed to you God’s Good News free of charge?

8I robbed other communities by taking wages from them for service to you.

9When I was present with you and I was in need, I did not burden anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. In everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so.

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

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

12But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off the opportunity from those who want an opportunity in what they boast about to also be regarded just as we are.

13For such men are false emissaries, deceitful workers masquerading as Messiah’s emissaries.

14And no wonder, for even satan masquerades as an angel of light.

15It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their deeds.

16I say again, let no one consider me to be a fool. But if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.

17What I am saying, I am saying not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this self-confident boasting.

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

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

20For you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone puts on airs, if someone slaps you on the face.

21To my shame I must say that we have been weak. Yet whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I speak in foolishness—I dare, too.

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

23Are they servants of Messiah? I am more so—I speak like I’m out of my mind—in labors much more, in prisons much more, in beatings more brutal, near death often.