Paul and the False Apostles

11 If only you would bear with me [fn]for a bit in my foolishness! Yes, do bear with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a 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 craftiness, [fn]so your minds will be led astray from [fn]simple devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a different message about Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you bear with it well enough. 5 For I consider myself to be in no way inferior to these “super-apostles.” 6 I may be untrained in speech, but I do not lack knowledge; indeed, in every way we have [fn]been made known to you in everything.

7 Did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I “robbed” other churches by receiving support from them in order to serve you! 9 When I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be [fn]silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may deny any opportunity to those who want to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about. 13 For such men are false apostles and 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 no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.