New Testament in a Year

Paul Contrasts Himself with False Apostles

11 I want you to put up with a little foolishness from me. I’m sure that you will. ² I’m as protective of you as God is. After all, you’re a virgin whom I promised in marriage to one man—Christ. ³ However, I’m afraid that as the snake deceived Eve by its tricks, so your minds may somehow be lured away from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴ When someone comes to you telling about another Jesus whom we didn’t tell you about, you’re willing to put up with it. When you receive a spirit that is different from the Spirit you received earlier, you’re also willing to put up with that. When someone tells you good news that is different from the Good News you already accepted, you’re willing to put up with that too.

⁵ I don’t think I’m inferior in any way to your super-apostles. ⁶ Even though I’m not good with words, I know what I’m talking about. Timothy and I have made this clear to you in every possible way.

⁷ Did I commit a sin when I humbled myself by telling you the Good News of God free of charge so that you could become important? ⁸ I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to serve you. ⁹ When I was with you and needed something, I didn’t bother any of you for help. My friends from the province of Macedonia supplied everything I needed. I kept myself from being a financial burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do that.

¹⁰ As surely as I have Christ’s truth, my bragging will not be silenced anywhere in Greece. ¹¹ Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows that I do love you. ¹² But I’ll go on doing what I’m doing. This will take away the opportunity of those people who want to brag because they think they’re like us. ¹³ People who brag like this are false apostles. They are dishonest workers, since they disguise themselves as Christ’s apostles. ¹⁴ And no wonder, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it’s not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants who have God’s approval. In the end they will get what they deserve.