Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:6

"But though [I be] rude in speech, yet [am I] not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made [this] manifest unto you in all things." — 2 Corinthians 11:6 (ASV)

But though I am rude in speech. (See 2 Corinthians 10:10).

The word rendered rude here (idiwthv) properly means a private citizen, as opposed to one in a public station; then, a common person, or one unlettered or unlearned, as opposed to one of more elevated rank or one who is learned (see its usage in Acts 4:13 and 1 Corinthians 14:16).

The idea is, my language is that of a plain, unlettered person. This was doubtless charged against him by his enemies, and it may be that he intended in part to admit the truth of the charge.

Yet not in knowledge. I do not admit that I am ignorant of the religion I profess to teach. I claim to be acquainted with the doctrines of Christianity. It does not appear that they charged him with ignorance.

If it is asked how the admission that he was rude in speech is consistent with the fact that he was endowed by the Holy Spirit with the power of speaking languages, we may observe that Paul had undoubtedly learned to speak Greek in his native place (Tarsus in Cilicia), and that the Greek he had learned there was probably a corrupt kind, such as was spoken in that place.

It was this Greek which he probably continued to speak, for there is no more reason to suppose that the Holy Spirit would aid him in speaking a language he had learned early on, than He would in speaking Hebrew.

The endowments of the Holy Spirit were conferred to enable the apostles to speak languages they had never learned, not to perfect them in languages with which they were already acquainted.

It may have been true, therefore, that Paul may have spoken some languages he never learned with more fluency and perfection than he did those he had learned to speak when he was young.

It may also be remarked that some estimate of Paul's manner on this point may be formed from his writings. Critics profoundly acquainted with the Greek language note that while there is great energy of thought and diction in Paul's writings, and while he chooses or coins most expressive words, yet there is everywhere a lack of Attic elegance of manner, and of the smoothness and beauty that were so pleasing to a Greek ear.

But we have been throughly made manifest. You have known all about me. I have concealed nothing from you, and you have had ample opportunity to become thoroughly acquainted with me. The meaning is, "I need not dwell on this. I need speak no more of my manner of speech or knowledge. With all that, you are well acquainted."

See also: in knowledge (Ephesians 3:4); among you (2 Corinthians 12:12).