¹² Brothers, I ask you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. ¹³ You know that it was because of an infirmity of the flesh that I first preached the gospel to you. ¹⁴ Though my infirmity was a trial to you, you neither despised nor rejected me, but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ So where is your blessing? For I bear witness of you that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

¹⁷ They would zealously influence you, but not favorably. Yes, they would exclusively control you, so that you might consult them. ¹⁸ But it is good to be zealous in a good manner always and not only when I am present with you. ¹⁹ My little children, of whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, ²⁰ I desire to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am displeased with you.