2 Corinthians 11:1

KJV

¶ Would to God ye could bear with me a little in [my] folly: and indeed bear with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Would to God {G3785} ye could bear {G430} with me {G3450} a little {G3397} in my folly {G877}: and {G2532} indeed {G235} bear {G430} with me {G3450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would like you to bear with me in a little foolishness — please do bear with me!

Berean Standard Bible

I hope you will bear with a little of my foolishness, but you are already doing that.

American Standard Version

Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul, facing challenges to his apostolic authority from rival teachers in Corinth, makes an ironic and somewhat exasperated plea to the church. He asks them to tolerate his forthcoming "folly"—his necessary, yet uncomfortable, self-defense and boasting, which he undertakes not for personal glory but to safeguard the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians against the deceptive influence of false apostles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the beginning of what scholars often term Paul's "fool's speech" or "boasting speech," which extends through [2 Corinthians 12](/2_corinthians/12 "2 Corinthians 12 - Paul's Visions and Thorn"). Having previously defended his ministry and integrity in [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Apostolic Authority"), Paul now feels compelled to adopt the rhetorical style of his opponents—boasting—to expose its emptiness and to highlight the stark contrast between his genuine, suffering-filled apostleship and their superficial claims. The preceding chapters, particularly [2 Corinthians 8](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - Generosity") and [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - The Collection for the Saints"), deal with the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, demonstrating Paul's practical concern for the church, before he pivots back to the defense of his ministry, a theme that has been simmering throughout the letter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral complexities. It was a hub of various philosophies and rhetorical styles, where eloquence and impressive displays of wisdom were highly valued. Paul's opponents, often labeled "super-apostles" in [2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "2 Corinthians 11:5 - Super-Apostles") and [2 Corinthians 12:11](/2_corinthians/12-11 "2 Corinthians 12:11 - Paul's Apostolic Signs"), were likely itinerant Christian teachers who had infiltrated the church, challenging Paul's authority, questioning his sincerity (e.g., his refusal to accept financial support, as discussed in [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Self-Sufficiency")), and perhaps even his physical presence and speaking ability (cf. [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Appearance and Speech")). These opponents likely boasted of their own credentials, spiritual experiences, and rhetorical prowess, implicitly or explicitly undermining Paul's ministry and leading some Corinthians astray.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that Paul develops throughout the latter part of 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Defense and Authority**, as Paul is forced to vindicate his legitimate ministry against false teachers who sought to undermine it. Secondly, it underscores **Ironic Humility and Paradoxical Boasting**, where Paul, who typically shuns self-praise, adopts the "folly" of boasting to expose its absurdity and to contrast it with his true suffering for Christ (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). Thirdly, the verse calls for **Patience and Discernment** from the Corinthians, urging them to "bear with" Paul as he speaks in an uncharacteristic manner, challenging them to look beyond outward appearances and worldly wisdom to discern true spiritual leadership and the authentic message of the Gospel. This discernment is vital for the church's spiritual health, as emphasized in Paul's concern for their purity in [2 Corinthians 11:2-3](/2_corinthians/11-2-3 "2 Corinthians 11:2-3 - Paul's Jealousy for the Corinthians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Would to God (Greek, _óphelon'_):** This interjection expresses a strong wish or desire, akin to "Oh that!" or "I wish that!" It conveys Paul's earnest longing for the Corinthians to grant him this unusual indulgence, highlighting the rhetorical discomfort he feels in having to engage in self-defense.
* **bear with (Greek, _anéchomai'_):** Derived from "to hold oneself up against," this verb means "to put up with," "to endure," or "to tolerate." Paul is not asking for mere passive listening but for active patience and forbearance, acknowledging that his forthcoming discourse might be difficult or even offensive to some who have been swayed by the "super-apostles." The repetition of this phrase at the end of the verse emphasizes the urgency and importance of their tolerance.
* **folly (Greek, _aphrosýnē'_):** From a root meaning "senselessness" or "lack of understanding," this term can denote foolishness, recklessness, or even egotism. Paul uses it with profound irony. He does not genuinely believe his self-vindication is foolish, but he anticipates that his opponents, and perhaps some Corinthians influenced by them, might perceive it as such because it deviates from conventional, worldly standards of humility and self-promotion. By labeling his necessary defense as "folly," Paul underscores the absurdity of the situation that compels him to boast at all.
* **indeed (Greek, _allá'_):** This particle, often translated as "but," "however," or "yet," functions here to emphasize the preceding request and to introduce the repeated plea. It adds a sense of urgency and reinforces the necessity of their patience, almost as if to say, "But truly, you must bear with me."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Would to God ye could bear with me a little in [my] folly":** Paul initiates his plea with an earnest wish, expressing his desire for the Corinthians to tolerate his upcoming discourse. The phrase "a little" (Greek: _mikrón_) suggests he hopes for a brief period of their patience, acknowledging the unusual and uncomfortable nature of his "folly"—his forthcoming self-vindication and paradoxical boasting. This "folly" is not a genuine lack of wisdom on Paul's part, but a strategic, ironic adoption of his opponents' rhetorical style to expose their superficiality and to defend the integrity of the true Gospel.
* **"and indeed bear with me":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the initial request. The particle "indeed" (Greek: _allá_) adds emphasis, underscoring the vital importance of their forbearance. The repetition of "bear with me" highlights Paul's profound need for the Corinthians' open-mindedness and patience as he embarks on this uncomfortable but necessary defense of his apostolic ministry against the deceptive influences of the false apostles.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Irony** throughout this verse and the subsequent "fool's speech." By referring to his necessary self-defense as "my folly," he subverts the expectations of his audience. He is not genuinely foolish, but he adopts the language of his opponents, who would likely consider his humble, suffering-laden ministry "foolish" compared to their worldly boasting. This ironic stance allows him to expose the true foolishness of their superficial claims. The **Repetition** of "bear with me" serves as an emphatic plea, highlighting the urgency and importance of the Corinthians' patience and willingness to listen to a message that might challenge their preconceived notions or comfort levels. This rhetorical device underscores the strained relationship and the critical need for the Corinthians to discern truth from falsehood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse introduces Paul's uncomfortable but necessary defense of his apostolic authority, a defense rooted not in worldly credentials or rhetorical prowess, but in his genuine suffering and faithfulness to Christ. Theologically, it underscores the paradox of Christian leadership, where true strength is often found in weakness (cf. [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh")), and authentic ministry is demonstrated through sacrifice rather than self-promotion. Paul's "folly" is a divine wisdom that challenges human wisdom, revealing that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong and wise (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God's Wisdom and Power")). The passage also highlights the ongoing struggle within the church against false teaching and the critical need for discernment among believers to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit spiritual leadership.

* [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 - Paul's Folly for Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 12:11](/2_corinthians/12-11 "2 Corinthians 12:11 - Paul's Apostolic Signs")
* [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - No Other Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's plea to the Corinthians to "bear with me in my folly" resonates deeply with the challenges of Christian discipleship and leadership today. It reminds us that truth is not always presented in the most palatable or conventional ways, and that genuine spiritual authority may not conform to worldly expectations of charisma, eloquence, or self-promotion. We are called to cultivate a spirit of patience and discernment, willing to listen to uncomfortable truths and to look beyond superficial appearances to recognize the authentic work of God. This verse challenges us to examine our own biases and preferences, asking if we are truly open to hearing from those whom God has appointed, even when their methods or messages might seem unconventional or even "foolish" by worldly standards. It also offers a model for leaders: while humility is paramount, there are moments when a defense of one's ministry or the Gospel itself becomes necessary, not for personal vindication, but for the protection and spiritual health of the flock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to judging spiritual leaders or messages based on worldly standards of charisma, eloquence, or popularity, rather than on faithfulness to Christ and the Gospel?**
* **When have I found it difficult to "bear with" someone who was speaking truth, perhaps because their style was uncomfortable or their message challenged my preconceptions?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to appear "foolish" for the sake of the Gospel inspire or challenge my own willingness to prioritize truth and integrity over personal reputation or comfort?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul call his boasting "folly"?**

Answer: Paul calls his boasting "folly" (Greek: _aphrosýnē_) with profound irony. He is adopting the language of his opponents, the "super-apostles," who likely boasted of their own credentials and eloquence, and who might have viewed Paul's humble, suffering-filled ministry as foolish or weak. By labeling his necessary self-defense as "folly," Paul highlights the absurdity of having to boast at all and exposes the emptiness of worldly boasting. His "folly" is, in fact, a divinely inspired wisdom that contrasts sharply with the superficial wisdom of the world, which values outward show over genuine spiritual substance. He is forced into this uncomfortable position to defend the integrity of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church from deceptive influences (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:2-3](/2_corinthians/11-2-3 "2 Corinthians 11:2-3 - Paul's Jealousy for the Corinthians")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's "folly" in [2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's Plea for Tolerance") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the paradoxical nature of the Gospel itself, where God's ultimate wisdom and power are revealed in what the world perceives as weakness and foolishness—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul was compelled to boast in his weaknesses and sufferings (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:30](/2_corinthians/11-30 "2 Corinthians 11:30 - Paul Boasts in Weakness")), Christ's entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death on the cross, was a profound act of divine "folly" in the eyes of a world seeking power and glory. [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross") declares that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Jesus, though God incarnate, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His willingness to endure shame, suffering, and a "foolish" death on a cross became the very means of salvation and the ultimate demonstration of God's wisdom and love. Thus, Paul's "folly" mirrors the divine strategy of redemption, where God's power is perfected in weakness, and His truth is revealed through means that defy human logic and worldly expectations, all centered on the humble, suffering, yet victorious Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

2 Corinthians 11:21

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

2 Corinthians 11:19

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye [yourselves] are wise.

2 Corinthians 5:13

For whether we be beside ourselves, [it is] to God: or whether we be sober, [it is] for your cause.

2 Corinthians 11:16

¶ I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

2 Corinthians 11:17

That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.