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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 11:16–21.
Here we have a further excuse that the apostle makes for what he was about to say in his own vindication. 1. He would not have them think he was guilty of folly, in saying what he said to vindicate himself: Let no man think me a fool, Co2 11:16. Ordinarily, indeed, it is unbecoming a wise man to be much and often speaking in his own praise. Boasting of ourselves is usually not only a sign of a proud mind, but a mark of folly also. However, says the apostle, yet as a fool receive me; that is, if you count it folly in me to boast a little, yet give due regard to what I shall say. 2. He mentions a caution, to prevent the abuse of what he should say, telling them that what he spoke, he did not speak after the Lord, Co2 11:17. He would not have them think that boasting of ourselves, or glorying in what we have, is a thing commanded by the Lord in general unto Christians, nor yet that this is always necessary in our own vindication; though it may be lawfully used, because not contrary to the Lord, when, strictly speaking, it is not after the Lord. It is the duty and practice of Christians, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord, rather to humble and abase themselves; yet prudence must direct in what circumstances it is needful to do that which we may do lawfully, even speak of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us too. 3. He gives a good reason why they should suffer him to boast a little; namely, because they suffered others to do so who had less reason. Seeing many glory after the flesh (of carnal privileges, or outward advantages and attainments), I will glory also, Co2 11:18. But he would not glory in those things, though he had as much or more reason than others to do so. But he gloried in his infirmities, as he tells them afterwards. The Corinthians thought themselves wise, and might think it an instance of wisdom to bear with the weakness of others, and therefore suffered others to do what might seem folly; therefore the apostle would have them bear with him. Or these words, You suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise (Co2 11:19), may be ironical, and then the meaning is this: "Notwithstanding all your wisdom, you willingly suffer yourselves to be brought into bondage under the Jewish yoke, or suffer others to tyrannize over you; nay, to devour you, or make a prey of you, and take of you hire for their own advantage, and to exalt themselves above you, and lord it over you; nay, even to smite you on the face, or impose upon you to your very faces (Co2 11:20), upbraiding you while they reproach me, as if you had been very weak in showing regard to me," Co2 11:21. Seeing this was the case, that the Corinthians, or some among them, could so easily bear all this from the false apostles, it was reasonable for the apostle to desire, and expect, they should bear with what might seem to them an indiscretion in him, seeing the circumstances of the case were such as made it needful that whereinsoever any were bold he should be bold also, Co2 11:21.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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And do thou, my dearest Lucianus, since thou art wise, bear with good-will the unwise; and they too may perchance become wise.
Paul gives the name of fools to those who prided themselves in the circumcision of the flesh. It was because these people were accepted by the Corinthians that Paul wants them to recognize that he too can boast of this. But he does not glorify himself as a result. On the contrary, he points out that such boasting is foolish and worldly.
"For ye bear with the foolish gladly." 'So that ye are to blame for this, and more than they. For if ye had not borne with them, and so far as it lay in them received damage, I would not have spoken a word; but I do it out of a tender care for your salvation, and in condescension. And behold, how he accompanies even his censure with praise. For having said, "ye bear with the foolish gladly;" he added,
"Being wise yourselves." For it was a sign of folly to glory, and on such matters. And yet it behoved to rebuke them, and say, 'Do not bear with the foolish;' he does this, however, at greater advantage. For in that case he would have seemed to rebuke them because he himself was destitute of these advantages; but now having showed himself to be their superior even in these points, and to esteem them to be nothing, he corrects them with greater effect. At present, however, before entering upon his own praises and the comparison, he also reproaches the Corinthians with their great slavishness, because they were extravagantly submissive to them. And observe how he ridicules them.
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Summary
In 2 Corinthians 11:19, the Apostle Paul employs biting irony to critique the Corinthian believers. He sarcastically commends them for their perceived wisdom, which paradoxically leads them to tolerate and even embrace the deceptive teachings and exploitative practices of false apostles. This verse is a sharp indictment, revealing the Corinthians' spiritual blindness and their dangerous susceptibility to those who would lead them astray, all while they prided themselves on their superior discernment.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a crucial part of Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13), a section where he reluctantly adopts the rhetorical style of his opponents to expose their true nature and defend his own legitimate apostleship. Having been forced to boast (a practice he generally disdains) due to the Corinthians' acceptance of "super-apostles" who challenged his authority, Paul uses hyperbole and sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of their situation. He contrasts his own self-sacrificial ministry, marked by weakness and suffering, with the self-exalting, financially burdensome, and even abusive ministry of the false teachers. Verse 19 sets up the stark contrast with the explicit list of abuses in 2 Corinthians 11:20, where Paul enumerates how the Corinthians are enslaved, devoured, taken advantage of, and even physically abused by those they so readily "suffer gladly."
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse philosophical schools, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric and worldly wisdom. The Corinthian church, consequently, was influenced by this cultural milieu, valuing eloquent speakers, impressive displays of power, and human wisdom over the humble, suffering, and seemingly unimpressive ministry of Paul. The "super-apostles" (a term Paul uses ironically in 2 Corinthians 11:5 and 2 Corinthians 12:11) likely embodied these worldly ideals, presenting themselves with impressive oratorical skills, claims of spiritual superiority, and perhaps even demanding financial support, unlike Paul who chose to work with his own hands to avoid burdening the church (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). The Corinthians' pride in their own "wisdom" made them susceptible to such charlatans, as they believed their intellectual sophistication allowed them to discern truth, when in reality it blinded them.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Irony and Sarcasm as a rhetorical tool Paul masterfully employs to expose folly. His "praise" for their wisdom is, in fact, a scathing critique of their lack of spiritual discernment. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of Spiritual Discernment versus worldly wisdom. The Corinthians prided themselves on being "wise" (φρόνιμοι), yet their actions demonstrated a profound inability to distinguish between genuine apostolic ministry and deceptive exploitation. This failure to test the spirits left them vulnerable to the Dangers of False Teaching and Exploitation, a pervasive concern for Paul throughout his letters. The "fools" Paul refers to are precisely those who prey on believers, enslaving them and taking advantage of them, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:20. Finally, the verse implicitly contrasts True Wisdom (Christ-centered) with Worldly Wisdom, a theme Paul explores more fully in 1 Corinthians 1-2, where he argues that God's wisdom often appears as foolishness to the world, and worldly wisdom is foolishness to God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb means "to hold oneself up against," or figuratively, "to put up with, bear with, endure, forbear." Paul uses it to describe the Corinthians' surprising tolerance for the false teachers' abusive behavior. It implies a passive acceptance, an enduring of something burdensome or irritating, rather than an active resistance or rejection.
This word means "mindless, stupid, without reason, ignorant." It can also imply egotism or rashness. Paul applies this term to the false apostles, directly contrasting their lack of true wisdom and spiritual understanding with the Corinthians' self-proclaimed "wisdom." It characterizes those who act without proper thought or spiritual insight, often leading to destructive outcomes.
This adverb means "sweetly" or "with pleasure." Its inclusion here intensifies Paul's irony. The Corinthians are not merely tolerating the fools, but doing so with a surprising degree of willingness or even enjoyment, perhaps because the false teachers' style or message appealed to their worldly sensibilities.
This term denotes being "thoughtful, sagacious, discreet, prudent, or sensible." While it can signify genuine wisdom, Paul uses it here sarcastically. The Corinthians consider themselves discerning and intelligent, and it is this self-perception that ironically makes them complacent and open to deception, believing they are too clever to be fooled.
Verse Breakdown
"For ye suffer fools gladly,"
This initial clause sets the stage for Paul's cutting irony. The conjunction "For" (G1063, gár) introduces the reason or explanation for Paul's preceding statements about his reluctance to boast. He states that the Corinthians are willingly enduring or putting up with "fools"—a direct and derogatory label for the false apostles—and doing so "gladly" or "with pleasure." This highlights the shocking complacency and misguided acceptance of the Corinthian church towards those who were exploiting them.
"seeing ye [yourselves] are wise."
This second clause reveals the sarcastic core of Paul's statement. The phrase "seeing ye yourselves are wise" is Paul's ironic commentary on the Corinthians' self-perception. They believe themselves to be discerning, prudent, and intellectually superior (φρόνιμοι), and it is this very self-proclaimed wisdom that Paul implies is the reason they are so tolerant of the "fools." Their pride in their own sagacity makes them believe they are above being harmed by such individuals, or perhaps that their wisdom allows them to appreciate the "fools'" superficial qualities. Paul suggests their supposed wisdom has, in fact, led them into a dangerous spiritual blindness.
Literary Devices
Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11:19 is a masterclass in Irony and Sarcasm. He uses praise ("ye yourselves are wise") to convey profound criticism, highlighting the stark contrast between the Corinthians' self-perception and their actual behavior. The Irony lies in the idea that their supposed wisdom is precisely what makes them foolishly tolerant of destructive influences. This is further amplified by Sarcasm, where Paul's words are intended to mock and sting, revealing the absurdity of their situation. He is not genuinely commending them but rather exposing their spiritual blindness and lack of discernment through a biting, inverted compliment. The verse also contains an element of Paradox, as the very quality they pride themselves on (wisdom) leads them to a contradictory and harmful outcome (suffering fools gladly).
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse serves as a profound theological warning against spiritual pride and the dangers of misplaced discernment. It teaches that a self-perception of wisdom, divorced from true humility and adherence to Christ's truth, can lead to a dangerous susceptibility to deception. Paul implies that the Corinthians' intellectual arrogance made them vulnerable to those who appeared impressive but lacked genuine spiritual authority or integrity. True wisdom, from a biblical perspective, is not found in worldly eloquence or intellectual prowess, but in the fear of the Lord and obedience to His Word, leading to discernment that exposes falsehood rather than embraces it.
Reflection and Application
Paul's ironic statement in 2 Corinthians 11:19 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless caution against spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of worldly wisdom. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the temptation to pride ourselves on our own discernment can be strong, leading us to "suffer fools gladly" who flatter our intellects or appeal to our desires, even if their teachings subtly undermine biblical truth or promote self-serving agendas. This verse challenges us to cultivate genuine humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and is often revealed in weakness and simplicity, rather than in impressive displays or eloquent rhetoric. It calls us to rigorously test all teachings and leaders against the unadulterated standard of God's Word, rather than relying on our own perceived cleverness or being swayed by charisma. Our spiritual maturity is not measured by our tolerance for error, but by our unwavering commitment to truth and our vigilant protection of the flock from wolves in sheep's clothing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "fools" in this context?
When Paul refers to "fools" (Greek: áphrōn), he is speaking directly about the false apostles or "super-apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These individuals were likely eloquent, charismatic, and presented themselves as superior to Paul, but their true character was exploitative and their teaching deviated from the genuine Gospel. Paul uses the term "fools" to strip away their impressive facade, revealing them as spiritually senseless, ignorant, and even egotistical, despite their outward appearance of wisdom or authority. He contrasts their foolishness with the Corinthians' self-proclaimed wisdom, highlighting the irony that the "wise" Corinthians were tolerating and even embracing these truly "foolish" deceivers. Paul elaborates on the actions of these "fools" in 2 Corinthians 11:20, describing how they enslaved, devoured, took advantage of, exalted themselves, and even struck the Corinthians.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Paul's ironic critique in 2 Corinthians 11:19, where the Corinthians' self-proclaimed wisdom leads them to embrace "fools," powerfully underscores the contrast between worldly wisdom and the true wisdom found in Christ. The false apostles embodied the world's standard of impressive rhetoric and self-exaltation, which appealed to the Corinthians' pride. In stark contrast, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's wisdom, yet He came in humility and weakness, ultimately suffering the cross, which the world deemed foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). Paul, as a true apostle, mirrored Christ's humble approach, ministering in weakness and without charge (2 Corinthians 11:7). The Corinthians' failure to discern the true from the false stemmed from their inability to recognize Christ's pattern of humility in Paul and their preference for a more worldly, self-aggrandizing form of leadership. Ultimately, this verse calls believers to look to Christ as the source and standard of all true wisdom, understanding that His path often defies human logic and worldly expectations, and that true spiritual authority is demonstrated not in self-exaltation, but in sacrificial service and humble obedience, just as He exemplified in Philippians 2:5-8.