2 Corinthians 11:20

If a man bring you into bondage, &c.— This is spoken ironically, to express their bearing with the insolence and covetousness of their false apostle. The bondage here meant was subjection to the will of the false apostle, as appears from the following particulars of this verse,—and not subjection to the Jewish rites; for, had that been the case, St. Paul was so zealous against it, that he would have spoken more plainly and warmly, as we see in his Epistle to the Galatians; and not have touched it thus only by the bye, in a doubtful expression. Besides, it is plain that no such thing was yet attempted openly, only St. Paul was afraid of it. See 2 Corinthians 11:3. The meaning of the whole verse is, "You bear with it, if a man bring you into bondage; that is, domineer over you, and use you like his bondmen and slaves: If he make a prey of you, and almost devour you by exorbitant demands; if he make a gain of you, that is, extort presents from you, or entice you to make them; if he exalt himself in the spirit of pride and ambition; if he smite you on the face, that is, if he treat you inthemostcontumelious,disgraceful,anddebasingmanner."Some would render this and the preceding verse (and I think with more force) as follows; 2 Corinthians 11:19. Wise as you are, ye bear with fools gladly, 2 Corinthians 11:20. But, do you bear it, if any man bring you into bondage? If, &c.?