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For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I forbear, so that no man may account of me above that which he sees in me, or hears from me.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Reputation Built on Reality

Commentators unanimously highlight Paul's desire to be judged by his observable life and public ministry—what people could see and hear. He deliberately refrains from boasting about his incredible spiritual visions so that no one would form an opinion of him based on unverifiable, private experiences. This serves as a powerful model for Christian integrity: our reputation should rest on our character and actions, not on claims of special spiritual insight.

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Book Overview

2 Corinthians

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

18th Century

Theologian

For though I would desire to glory. I take this to be a solemn and serious declaration of the irony that precedes; and that Paul means to …

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

I shall not be foolish (ουκ εσομα αφρων). Apparent contradiction to 11:1,16. But he is here speaking of the Paul "caught up" in ca…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

19th Century

Bishop

For though I would desire to glory... He had said in the preceding verse that he will glory only in his infirmities. He i…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

The remarkable contrast between Paul and the certain “man in Christ” (v.2) comes into even sharper relief in v.5 and naturally prompts the question…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

16th Century

Theologian

For if I should desire. So that what he had said—namely, his lack of inclination to boast—would not be turned into an occasion for slander…

John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Corinthians 12:6

17th Century

Pastor

For though I would desire to glory
. Had a mind to it, chose it, and was fond of it, thought fit to proceed in this …

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Corinthians 12:1–6

17th Century

Minister

There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him while his body was in a trance, as in the cas…