5 for I reckon that I have been nothing behind the very chiefest apostles, 6 and even if unlearned in word—yet not in knowledge, but in every thing we were made manifest in all things to you. 7 The sin did I do—myself humbling that ye might be exalted, because freely the good news of God I did proclaim to you? 8 other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration; 9 and being present with you, and having been in want, I was chargeable to no one, for my lack did the brethren supply—having come from Macedonia—and in everything burdenless to you I did keep myself, and will keep. 10 The truth of Christ is in me, because this boasting shall not be stopped in regard to me in the regions of Achaia; 11 wherefore? because I do not love you? God hath known! 12 and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also; 13 for those such 'are' false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, 14 and no wonder—for even the Adversary doth transform himself into a messenger of light; 15 no great thing, then, if also his ministrants do transform themselves as ministrants of righteousness—whose end shall be according to their works.
16 Again I say, may no one think me to be a fool; and if otherwise, even as a fool receive me, that I also a little may boast. 17 That which I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this the confidence of boasting; 18 since many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast: 19 for gladly do ye bear with the fools—being wise, 20 for ye bear, if any one is bringing you under bondage, if any one doth devour, if any one doth take away, if any one doth exalt himself, if any one on the face doth smite you; 21 in reference to dishonour I speak, how that we were weak, and in whatever any one is bold—in foolishness I say 'it'—I also am bold.
22 Hebrews are they? I also! Israelites are they? I also! seed of Abraham are they? I also! 23 ministrants of Christ are they?—as beside myself I speak—I more; in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times; 24 from Jews five times forty 'stripes' save one I did receive; 25 thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice was I shipwrecked, a night and a day in the deep I have passed; 26 journeyings many times, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from kindred, perils from nations, perils in city, perils in wilderness, perils in sea, perils among false brethren; 27 in laboriousness and painfulness, in watchings many times, in hunger and thirst, in fastings many times, in cold and nakedness; 28 apart from the things without—the crowding upon me that is daily—the care of all the assemblies. 29 Who is infirm, and I am not infirm? who is stumbled, and I am not fired;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-29
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:16-21
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-21)
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 in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:22-33
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33)
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore.