2 Corinthians 11:21

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak Literally, after reproach (or dishonour, see ch. 2 Corinthians 6:8, and see note on 2 Corinthians 11:17), "to my reproach" (Stanley), or perhaps -about the dishonour that has been cast upon me," that Iventured to do none of these things, because I dared not. The -we" is emphatic. We, the true ministers of Christ, incurred the reproach of weakness while among you (see ch. 2 Corinthians 10:10, and 1 Corinthians 4:10), for weventured upon no such evidences of our power. And this -weakness" has been alleged against us as proof positive that we are no true Apostles of Christ. -As though" implies that St Paul does not admit the justice of the accusation. But he passes it by, and proceeds to shew that he, too, can shew boldness upon occasion.

whereinsoever any is bold There is no ground upon which the -false Apostles" have based their authority which St Paul could not also advance: there are few on which his title to the respect of his flock is not greater than theirs.

I am bold also St Paul is not here so much thinking of his boldness in asserting his Apostolic authority (ch. 2 Corinthians 10:2; 2 Corinthians 10:11) as of his boldness in asserting his personal claims on the allegiance of the Corinthian Christians; for now, though not -after the Lord," but -after the flesh," he commences that eloquent and impassioned description of his ministerial labours and experiences, which has done more than any other passage in Scripture to bring the person of the great Apostle before us, and to endear him to the Christian conscience.