Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:16

"I say again, let no man think me foolish; but if [ye do], yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little." — 2 Corinthians 11:16 (ASV)

I say again. I repeat it. He refers to what he had said in 2 Corinthians 11:1. The sense is, "I have said much about myself which may seem to be foolish. I admit that to boast in this manner about oneself in general is folly. But circumstances compel me to it. And I urge you to look at those circumstances, and not regard me as a fool for doing it."

If otherwise. If you think otherwise. If I cannot obtain this from you—that you will not regard me as acting prudently and wisely. If you still think I am foolish, I am still constrained to make these remarks to vindicate myself.

Yet as a fool receive me. A marginal note reads, "suffer." See 2 Corinthians 11:1. Bear with me as you do with others. Consider how much I have been provoked to this; how necessary it is for my character; and do not reject and despise me because I am constrained to say that about myself which is usually regarded as foolish boasting.

That I may boast myself a little. Since others do it and are not rebuked, may I be permitted to do it also? See 2 Corinthians 11:18–19. There is something sarcastic in the words, "a little." The sense is, "Others are allowed to boast a great deal. Surely I may be allowed to boast a little of what I have done."