John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:30

"If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness." — 2 Corinthians 11:30 (ASV)

If he must glory. Here we have the conclusion, drawn from all that has gone before: Paul is more inclined to boast of those things connected with his infirmity. These are things that, in the world's view, might bring him contempt rather than glory, such as hunger, thirst, imprisonments, stonings, stripes, and the like. Indeed, these are the kinds of things we are usually as ashamed of as those that incur great dishonor.