# Connecting Statement:

As Paul continues to affirm his apostleship, he talks about false apostles.

# so that I may cut off the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be found to be like us in the things they boast about

Paul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can cut off. Alternate translation: "so that they have no reason to boast that they are doing the same work that we are doing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# to be found to be like us

"to appear to be like us" or "to appear to be doing the same work we are doing"

# us in the things they boast about

"us, as they are boasting that they are"