Selfless Concern for the Church.^* 11I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,”^f even though I am nothing. 12^* The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.^g 13^* In what way were you less privileged than the rest of the churches, except that on my part I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!^h

14Now I am ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, for I want not what is yours, but you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children. 15I will most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your sakes. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16But granted that I myself did not burden you, yet I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.ⁱ 17Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you? 18I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? And in the same steps?^j