2 Corinthians 11:1

“Would to God you could bear with me a little, etc..] The false apostles boasted so much of their gifts, abilities, and usefulness, that the apostle found himself under a necessity of saying some things in his own defence, for the honour of God, and the good of this church; which otherwise his modesty would not have permitted him, and which he saw would be accounted and censured as folly in him by others; and therefore he entreats their patience a little while, and that they would suffer him to say a few things in vindication of his character, and not be offended; though it would be in commendation of himself, which, were he not forced to, would look vain and foolish: and therefore says, bear…”

“THROUGH JEALOUSY OVER THE CORINTHIANS, WHO MADE MORE ACCOUNT OF THE FALSE APOSTLES THAN OF HIM, HE IS OBLIGED TO COMMEND HIMSELF AS IN MANY RESPECTS SUPERIOR. (2Co. 11:1-33) Would to God--Translate as Greek, "I would that." bear with me--I may ask not unreasonably to be borne with; not so the false apostles (Co2 11:4, Co2 11:20). my--not in the oldest manuscripts. folly--The Greek is a milder term than that for "foolishness" in Co1 3:19; Mat 5:22; Mat 25:2. The Greek for "folly" here implies imprudence; the Greek for "foolishness" includes the idea of perversity and wickedness. and indeed bear--A request (so Co2 11:16). But the Greek and the sense favor the translation, "But indeed (I need…”

“Would to God - Greek, “I would” (Ὄφελον Ophelon). This expresses earnest desire, but in the Greek there is no appeal to God. The sense would be well expressed by “O that,” or “I earnestly wish.” Ye could bear with me - That you would bear patiently with me; that you would hear me patiently, and suffer me to speak of myself. In my folly - Folly in boasting. The idea seems to be, “I know that boasting is generally foolish, and that it is not to be indulged in. But though it is to be generally regarded as folly, yet circumstances compel me to it, and I ask your indulgence in it.” It is possible also that his opponents accused him of folly in boasting so much of himself. And indeed bear with…”

“I wish ye would bear - So does he pave the way for what might otherwise have given offence. With my folly - Of commending myself; which to many may appear folly; and really would be so, were it not on this occasion absolutely necessary. 2 Corinthians 11:2”

“11:1-6 Paul finds it necessary, if distasteful, to justify his actions because of the close link he claims with the church (11:2) and because his enemies were enticing the Corinthian believers away from Christ. 11:1 Paul takes on an ironic tone in saying, I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. He again asks with irony, Please bear with me (or But indeed you are putting up with me, a translation that makes the irony even more pointed).”

“Would: Num 11:29; Jos 7:7; Kg2 5:3; Act 26:29; Co1 4:8 bear with me a: Co2 11:4; Act 18:14; Heb 5:2 in: Co2 11:16, Co2 11:17, Co2 11:19, Co2 11:21, Co2 5:13, Co2 12:11; Co1 1:21, Co1 3:18, Co1 4:10 bear with me: or, ye do bear with me 2 Corinthians 11:2”