John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:12

"But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." — 2 Corinthians 11:12 (ASV)

But what I do. He again explains the reason for his intention. The false apostles, in order to allure ignorant persons to themselves, took no pay. Their serving gratuitously was a display of uncommon zeal. If Paul had availed himself of his right, he would have given them occasion to boast, as if they were greatly superior to him.

Paul, accordingly, also preached the Gospel free of charge himself to avoid giving them any occasion to cause harm. This is what he adds: he desires to cut off occasion from those that desire occasion.

For the false apostles were eager to insinuate themselves by this artifice and, correspondingly, detract from Paul’s credibility if they were superior to him in any way. He says that he will not give them this advantage. “They will be found,” he says, “on a level with us in that glorying that they would wish to have for themselves exclusively.”

This, however, is a useful admonition regarding cutting off occasion from the wicked whenever they desire one. For this is the only way to overcome them—not by arming them through our own imprudence.