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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - 2 Corinthians 11:1 - 11:1
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Observe here, 1. That which the apostle calls his folly is his speaking so much in his own commendation and praise, because ordinarily self-commendation has a very great shew of folly in it, though not always. As if he had said, "I would you could bear with me a little, in that, which looks like a foolish boasting in me, namely, my glorying in my performances, in my services and sufferings, amongst you; and indeed, you must bear with me herein."
Where note, That although the apostle lay under a necessity to commend himself for the vindication of his office, which made him free from folly in this matter; yet because, generally speaking, self-commendation usually proceeds from folly and vanity, and such as did not know the necessity which lay upon St. Paul thus to speak, would be apt to impute folly to him for thus speaking, he therefore calls it folly himself first, and tells the Corinthians, they did and must bear with it.
Observe, 2. The reason assigned, which constrained the apostle thus to do it, was his holy jealousy for them. He had, by preaching of the gospel, brought them to know and believe in Christ, and so, by converting them to the Christian faith, had espoused them to Christ: He earnestly therefore desired that he might present them a pure and chaste virgin; that is, a spotless church unto Christ. As the Jews say, that Moses espoused Israel to God in Mount Sinai, when he made them enter into covenant with him there; so says the apostle here, by converting you to the Christian faith, I have espoused you to one husband, even Christ.