³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.^{(A) 34} You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me.^{(B) 35} In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

³ We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. ⁴ But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:

⁷ Or did I commit a sin by humbling^(A) myself so that you might be exalted,^(B) because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?^{(C) 8} I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. ⁹ When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia^(D) supplied my needs.^(E) I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way. ¹⁰ As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped^[a] in the regions of Achaia.^{(F) 11} Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do!

¹² But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny^[b] the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about.