I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. But in whatsoever way any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
All Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 11:21 Go To 2 Corinthians 11
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Yet whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak in foolishness,) I am bold also.
See him again drawing back and using depreciation and correctives beforehand, although he has already even said many such things: Would that you could bear with me in a little foolishness; 2 Corinthians 11:1 and again, Let no man think me foolish: if you do, yet as foolish receive me. 2 Corinthians 11:16 That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness. 2 Corinthians 11:17 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also; 2 Corinthians 11:18 and here again, Whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak in foolishness) I am bold also. Boldness and folly he calls it to speak anything great of himself, and that though there was a necessity, teaching us even to an excess to avoid any thing of the sort. For if after we have done all, we ought to call ourselves unprofitable; of what forgiveness can he be worthy who, when no reason presses, exalts himself and boasts? Therefore also did the Pharisee meet the fate he did, and even in harbor suffered shipwreck because he struck upon this rock. Therefore also does Paul, although he sees very ample necessity for it, draw back nevertheless, and keep on observing that such speaking is a mark of foolishness. And then at length he makes the venture , putting forward the plea of necessity,
