2 Corinthians 11:16

“I say again, let no man think me a fool, etc..] For praising himself, or speaking in his own commendation; which he was obliged to do, in vindication of his own character, against the false apostles, for the sake of the Gospel he preached, and for the advantage and welfare of the Corinthians; that they might not be imposed upon and carried away with the insinuations of these deceitful men; wherefore he desires them once more, that if he must be accounted a fool for speaking in his own behalf; if otherwise, says he, if they could not be persuaded that he acted a wise part, but must be looked upon as a fool, for what he said of himself, yet as a fool receive me; or “suffer me”, or bear with my…”

“I say again--again taking up from Co2 11:1 the anticipatory apology for his boasting. if otherwise--but if ye will not grant this; if ye will think me a fool. yet as a fool--"yet even as a fool receive me"; grant me the indulgent hearing conceded even to one suspected of folly. The Greek denotes one who does not rightly use his mental powers; not having the idea of blame necessarily attached to it; one deceived by foolish vanities, yet boasting himself [TITTMANN], (Co2 11:17, Co2 11:19). that I--The oldest manuscripts read, "that I, too," namely, as well as they, may boast myself.”

“I say again - I repeat it. He refers to what he had said in 2 Corinthians 11:1. The sense is, “I have said much respecting myself which may seem to be foolish. I admit that to boast in this manner of one’s own self in general is folly. But circumstances compel me to it. And I entreat you to look at those circumstances and not regard me as a fool for doing it.” If otherwise - If you think otherwise. If I cannot obtain this of you that you will not regard me as acting prudently and wisely. If you will think me foolish, still I am constrained to make these remarks in vindication of myself. Yet as a fool receive me - Margin, “Suffer;” see 2 Corinthians 11:1. Bear with me as you do with others.…”

“I say again - He premises a new apology to this new commendation of himself. Let no man think me a fool - Let none think I do this without the utmost necessity. But if any do think me foolish herein, yet bear with my folly. 2 Corinthians 11:17”

“11:16-29 Paul plays the part of a boastful fool (see also 12:11-13) so that he may present his true credentials as a suffering apostle. The intruders’ arrogant spirit impels Paul to adopt a style of writing that matches their behavior, all in irony.”

“say: Co2 11:1 Let: Co2 11:21-23, Co2 12:6, Co2 12:11 receive me: or, suffer me, Co2 11:1, Co2 11:19 2 Corinthians 11:17”