In 2 Corinthians 11:1, Paul is being both sarcastic and self-deprecating as he prepares to defend his apostleship against those who are challenging his authority in Corinth. Let's break it down:
"I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness..." This is the sarcastic part. Paul knows he's about to engage in what might seem like boasting or self-promotion, which he considers "foolishness." A true apostle, in his view, shouldn't need to brag about their accomplishments. He's reluctant to do it, but feels compelled to because the Corinthians are being swayed by those who are falsely claiming to be superior apostles. He's asking them to tolerate this behavior from him.
"...but indeed you do bear with me." This is the self-deprecating part. He's acknowledging that the Corinthians have already shown him patience and forbearance. They've put up with him and his imperfections. He's subtly reminding them of their past willingness to listen to him, implying they should be willing to extend that same grace now, even if he's acting in a way that seems out of character (i.e., boasting).
In essence, Paul is saying:
"I know what I'm about to do might seem a little ridiculous and prideful (like "foolishness"), and I don't really want to do it. Please just indulge me for a little while, because I feel like I need to defend myself. And you know you've been patient with me in the past, so please be patient with me now."
Why is he doing this?
Paul's motivation isn't pride. He's worried that the Corinthians are being misled by "super-apostles" who are more polished speakers and perhaps put on a more impressive show. He feels he needs to demonstrate his own credentials and sacrifices to remind them of his authentic commitment to them and the gospel. He sees their acceptance of the false apostles as a threat to their faith and their understanding of the true gospel.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 11:1 is Paul's clever and humble introduction to a section where he feels compelled to defend himself, even though it goes against his own principles. He appeals to the Corinthians' past patience and asks for a little more, knowing it's for their own spiritual good.
In 2 Corinthians 11:1, Paul is being both sarcastic and self-deprecating as he prepares to defend his apostleship against those who are challenging his authority in Corinth. Let's break it down:
"I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness..." This is the sarcastic part. Paul knows he's about to engage in what might seem like boasting or self-promotion, which he considers "foolishness." A true apostle, in his view, shouldn't need to brag about their accomplishments. He's reluctant to do it, but feels compelled to because the Corinthians are being swayed by those who are falsely claiming to be superior apostles. He's asking them to tolerate this behavior from him.
"...but indeed you do bear with me." This is the self-deprecating part. He's acknowledging that the Corinthians have already shown him patience and forbearance. They've put up with him and his imperfections. He's subtly reminding them of their past willingness to listen to him, implying they should be willing to extend that same grace now, even if he's acting in a way that seems out of character (i.e., boasting).
In essence, Paul is saying:
"I know what I'm about to do might seem a little ridiculous and prideful (like "foolishness"), and I don't really want to do it. Please just indulge me for a little while, because I feel like I need to defend myself. And you know you've been patient with me in the past, so please be patient with me now."
Why is he doing this?
Paul's motivation isn't pride. He's worried that the Corinthians are being misled by "super-apostles" who are more polished speakers and perhaps put on a more impressive show. He feels he needs to demonstrate his own credentials and sacrifices to remind them of his authentic commitment to them and the gospel. He sees their acceptance of the false apostles as a threat to their faith and their understanding of the true gospel.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 11:1 is Paul's clever and humble introduction to a section where he feels compelled to defend himself, even though it goes against his own principles. He appeals to the Corinthians' past patience and asks for a little more, knowing it's for their own spiritual good.