John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:1

"Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me." — 2 Corinthians 11:1 (ASV)

Would that you would bear with me. As he saw that the ears of the Corinthians were still partly pre-engaged, he resorts to another device, for he turns to express a wish, as people do when they do not venture openly to entreat. Immediately afterwards, however, as if gathering confidence, he nevertheless entreats the Corinthians to bear with his folly.

He gives the name of folly to that splendid proclamation of his praises, which follows. This is not as if he were a fool in glorying; for he was constrained to it by necessity, and besides, he restrained himself in such a way that no one could justly regard him as going beyond bounds. But because it is an unseemly thing to herald one’s own praises, and a thing that is foreign to the inclinations of a modest man, he speaks by way of concession.

What I have rendered in the imperative—bear with me,—Chrysostom interprets as an affirmation, and certainly the Greek word is ambiguous, and either sense is quite suitable. However, since the reasons that the Apostle adds are designed to induce the Corinthians to bear with him, and since we will find him afterwards expostulating with them again on the basis of their not conceding anything to him, I have followed the Old Interpreter. By saying, Would that, etc., he had seemed to be distrustful; now, as if correcting that hesitation, he openly and freely commands.