John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:18

"Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also." — 2 Corinthians 11:18 (ASV)

Since many glory. The meaning is — should anyone say to me, by way of objection, that what I do is faulty, what then about others? Are they not my leaders? Am I alone, or am I the first, in glorying according to the flesh? Why should that be considered praiseworthy in them, that is imputed to me as a fault?” So far, then, is Paul from ambition in recounting his own praises, that he is content to be blamed on that account, provided he exposes the vanity of the false apostles.

To glory after the flesh, is to boast oneself, rather in what has a tendency towards show, than in a good conscience. For the term flesh, here, refers to the world — when we seek praise from outward masks, which have a showy appearance before the world and are regarded as excellent. In place of this term, he had previously used the expression — in appearance. (2 Corinthians 10:7)