Paul’s Mission

12  For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13  But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you. 14  For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ. 15  Nor do we boast beyond certain limits in the work done by others, but we hope that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded among you according to our limits, 16  so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area. 17  But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord must boast in the Lord. 18  For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends.

11  I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me! 2  For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3  But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds may be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus different from the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough! 5  For I consider myself not at all inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6  And even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am certainly not so in knowledge. Indeed, we have made this plain to you in everything in every way. 7  Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8  I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! 9  When I was with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia fully supplied my needs. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10  As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11  Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12  And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. 13  For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.