Common(i)
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not in the least inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all perseverance, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
13 For in what respect were you inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden to you, for I seek not what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you the more, am I to be loved the less?
16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!
17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you what I wish you to be, and you may not find me what you wish me to be; I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
21 I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and lewdness which they have practiced.