2Co_11:1-4 Paul unwillingly entereth upon a commendation of
himself, out of jealousy lest the Corinthians should
be perverted by false apostles from the pure doctrine
of Christ.
2Co_11:5,6 He showeth that he was in all respects equal to the
chiefest apostles.
2Co_11:7-15 That he declined being chargeable to them, not for
want of love toward them, but to cut off occasion
from those deceitful workers of taking shelter under
his example.
2Co_11:16-22 That he was not inferior to those, whom they so patiently
submitted to, in any of their boasted pretogatives,
2Co_11:23-33 but as a minister of Christ, in labours and
sufferings for the gospel’s sake, was abundantly
their superior.
That which the apostle here calls his folly, was his speaking so much in his own commendation; which indeed is no better than folly, unless there be a great reason; which was here, for it was the false teachers, vilifying his person and office, that put him upon it. The verb in the latter part of the verse, may be read either imperatively, (and so we translate it), as if it were an entreaty of them to excuse him in speaking so much good of himself; or indicatively, you do bear with me.