2 Corinthians 11:30

“If I must needs glory, etc..] The apostle signifies that glorying was not agreeable to him; he was not fond of it, it was a subject he did not delight to dwell upon; what he had done was by force, and through necessity; he was compelled to it by the boasts of the false apostles: and since he must needs glory in order to stop their mouths; I will glory, says he, of things which concern mine infirmities; meaning not his sins, for these cause shame; but his afflictions and sufferings for Christ, under which he was supported, and from which he was delivered by the power of Christ; and that was the reason he chose to glory of them; for though they rendered him mean and despicable in the eyes of…”

“glory of . . . infirmities--A striking contrast! Glorying or boasting of what others make matter of shame, namely, infirmities; for instance, his humbling mode of escape in a basket (Co2 11:33). A character utterly incompatible with that of an enthusiast (compare Co2 12:5, Co2 12:9-10).”

“If I must needs glory - It is unpleasant for me to boast, but circumstances have compelled me. But since I am compelled, I will not boast of my rank, or talents, but of that which is regarded by some as an infirmity. Mine infirmities - Greek, “The things of my weakness.” The word here used is derived from the same word which is rendered weak,” in 2 Corinthians 11:29. He intends doubtless to refer here to what had preceded in his enumeration of the trials which he had endured. He had spoken of sufferings. He had endured much. He had also spoken of that tenderness of feeling which prompted him to sympathize so deeply when others suffered. He admitted that he often wept, and trembled, and…”

“I will glory of the things that concern my infirmities - Of what shows my weakness, rather than my strength. 2 Corinthians 11:32”

“11:30 the things that show how weak I am: Paul develops this theme in 12:1-10.”

“must: Co2 11:16-18, Co2 12:1, Co2 12:11; Pro 25:27, Pro 27:2; Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24 I will: Co2 12:5-10; Col 1:24 2 Corinthians 11:31”