2 Corinthians 11:6-21

English Standard Version

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

⁷ Or ^(D)did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because ^(E)I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? ⁸ I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. ⁹ And when I was with you and was ^(F)in need, ^(G)I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia ^(H)supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain ^(I)from burdening you in any way. ^10 (J)As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine ^(K)will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. ¹¹ And why? ^(L)Because I do not love you? ^(M)God knows I do!

¹² And what I am doing I will continue to do, ^(N)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. ¹³ For such men are ^(O)false apostles, ^(P)deceitful workmen, ^(Q)disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as ^(R)an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as ^(S)servants of righteousness. ^(T)Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

¹⁶ I repeat, ^(U)let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. ¹⁷ What I am saying ^(V)with this boastful confidence, ^(W)I say not as the Lord would^[a] but as a fool. ¹⁸ Since ^(X)many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. ¹⁹ For you gladly bear with fools, ^(Y)being wise yourselves! ²⁰ For you bear it if someone ^(Z)makes slaves of you, or ^(AA)devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or ^(AB)strikes you in the face. ²¹ To my shame, I must say, ^(AC)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.