³³ I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.

⁹ And when I was present with you, and in need, ^(A)I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked ^(B)the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

¹² If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?

^(A)Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things ^(B)lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

¹⁸ What is my reward then? That ^(A)when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel ^[a]of Christ without charge, that I ^(B)may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

Love for the Church

^14 (A)Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for ^(B)I do not seek yours, but you. ^(C)For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. ¹⁵ And I will very gladly spend and be spent ^(D)for your souls; though ^(E)the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

¹⁶ But be that as it may, ^(F)I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! ¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?

The Corinthians’ Repentance

² Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, ^(A)we have cheated no one.

¹⁵ But ^(A)I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for ^(B)it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.

⁵ For ^(A)neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a ^[a]cloak for covetousness—^(B)God is witness.

^2 (A)Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, ^(B)not by compulsion but ^[a]willingly, ^(C)not for dishonest gain but eagerly;