How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #7
And what I do I will also continue to do, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want an opportunity to be recognized as our equals in what they boast about. For such boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 11:12-13)
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (KJV 2 Corinthians 11:12-13)
The fact that the false apostles brag about themselves constantly is even more proof that they are not really following God. Check and mate. At least according to Paul.
Quote #8
I repeat, let no one think that I am a fool; but if you do, then accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord's authority, but as a fool; since many boast according to human standards, I will also boast. For you gladly put up with fools, being wise yourselves! […] But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 11:16-19, 21)
I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise […] Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. (KJV 2 Corinthians 11:16-19, 21)
Yes, Paul hates talking about himself more than anything, but he's been backed into a corner here. He has to defend his reputation from attacks by the false apostles. But he realizes that he's going against everything he's always said and making himself sound pretty stupid in the process. What do you think: is he just making up excuses or is he actually put in a situation where he needs to break out the arrogance?
Quote #9
Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 11:23)
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (KJV 2 Corinthians 11:23)
Here's where the real bragging comes into play. These false apostles claim to have suffered for the gospel. Ha! Paul will see their suffering and raise them five beatings.