2 Corinthians 11:16 Commentary and Bible Study

Paul is opposed to boasting and under normal circumstances he would never do it. This the same Paul who wrote, ‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). But he says, I have to do it in these unusual circumstances. We thank God he did, for there are details of his life in this passage which are not recorded anywhere else in the New Testament. ‘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.’ The apostle had fought against pride as a deadly foe from the time of his conversion and it was a rule of life with him never to boast. The book of Acts and his epistles reveal him as a man who walked humbly before his God. No one had any reason therefore to think him a proud man, and Paul now expects his readers to have enough trust in his character and discernment to understand why he was obliged to now break his normal rule. It was because of the very personal attack that had been made against him. If however they lacked the wisdom to see why he spoke like this, he was still going to go ahead and speak of his sufferings for Christ. He is deeply uncomfortable with this and embarrassed, but he has to say a little more. He says in effect, ‘I have to play the fool here. I have to make certain claims, so that you trust the apostles of Christ and not these false teachers.’ Paul is strengthening the Corinthians against corruption. They have already responded to Titus, but it is all very well for them to acknowledge they are wrong; if they are not instructed they may stumble again.