9 It seems to me that God has put us apostles in the worst possible place. We are like prisoners on their way to death. Angels and the people of this world just laugh at us.
10 Because of Christ we are thought of as fools, but Christ has made you wise. We are weak and hated, but you are powerful and respected.
11 Even today we go hungry and thirsty and don't have anything to wear except rags. We are ill-treated and don't have a place to live.
12 We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient.
13 When someone curses us, we answer with kind words. Until now we are thought of as nothing more than the trash and rubbish of this world.
14 I am not writing to embarrass you. I want to help you, just as parents help their own dear children.
15 Ten thousand people may teach you about Christ, but I am your only father. You became my children when I told you about Christ Jesus,