2 Corinthians 12:13
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
The Corinthians were inferior to other churches in nothing except that they had not been burdened for Paul's support. He supported himself by working with his hands at his trade and preached the gospel freely rather than burdening them for his support. His work at his trade in Ephesus reflects the same practice of supporting himself while ministering. While working to support himself, he also received help from believers who came from Macedonia.
His manual labor did not weaken his ministry or the force of his appeals. The plea for forgiveness for this wrong is an ironic apology that presents his refusal of their support as a wrong. He would continue this course, seeking the Corinthians themselves rather than their possessions and gladly spending himself for them.