Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

After digressing to defend his policy about financial support (vv.7–12) and describing the true identity of his opponents (vv.13–15), Paul now resumes from vv.1–6 the theme of boasting like “a fool” (GK 933). He has decided to boast like his opponents, since he knows the Corinthians’ determination to compare him with his rivals and their vulnerability to those who commend themselves. From 11:16–12:13, therefore, he engages in ad hominem argumentation, boasting about things that are not “boastworthy” and answering fools according to their folly (Proverbs 26:5). There was a danger, however, that some Corinthians might not see or wish to see that Paul was simply playing a part, so he tells them so and solicits their indulgence as he does “a little boasting.”