Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

"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. That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise [yourselves]. For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you [captive], if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face. I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also." — 2 Corinthians 11:16-21 (ASV)

It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct which lawful things it is necessary to do, including speaking about what God has worked for us, in us, and by us. Undoubtedly, there is a reference here to facts that revealed the character of the false apostles. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.