¹⁸ What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Gospel, I may present the Gospel of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Gospel.

³¹ and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.

⁸ neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;

⁹ not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.

⁶ nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

¹³ For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.

¹⁴ Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

¹⁵ I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

¹⁶ But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.

¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?

¹⁸ I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps?

⁷ Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God's Gospel free of charge?

⁸ I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.

⁹ When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn't a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.

⁵ For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;

³³ even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

⁶ Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work?

⁷ What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk?

⁹ But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.

¹⁵ Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.