12. My friends, I beg you to be like me, just as I once tried to be like you. Did you ill-treat me
13. when I first preached to you? No you didn't, even though you knew I had come there because I was sick.
14. My illness must have caused you some trouble, but you didn't hate me or turn me away because of it. You welcomed me as though I were one of God's angels or even Christ Jesus himself.
15. Where is that good feeling now? I am sure that if it had been possible, you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me.
16. Am I now your enemy, just because I told you the truth?
17. Those people may be paying you a lot of attention, but it isn't for your good. They only want to keep you away from me, so you will pay them a lot of attention.
18. It is always good to give your attention to something worthwhile, even when I am not with you.
19. My children, I am in terrible pain until Christ may be seen living in you.