For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

It matters very little to me that you or any human court should cross-question me on this point. I do not even cross-question myself;

for, although I am not conscious of having anything against me, that does not clear me. It is the Lord who cross-questions me on the matter.

This is my defense to those who would put me on trial and interrogate me [concerning my authority as an apostle]:

Have I no right to take a believing wife with me on my journey, as the rest of the apostles and the Lord's brothers and Peter do?

But I have used none of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me now. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone deprive me of my boast [in this matter of financial support].

What is the reward then that I have? That in announcing the glad tidings I make the glad tidings costless to others, so as not to have made use, as belonging to me, of my right in announcing the glad tidings.

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

for I have a very fair and promising opportunity given me of propagating the gospel, tho' there are many opposers.