The apostle apologizes for the self-commendation which was forced upon him, vs. 1-15. He contrasts himself and his labours with the assump- tions of the false teachers, vs. 15-33.
JReasons for his self-commendation^ vs. 1-15.
He had just condemned all self-commendation, yet he was forced to do what had the appearance of self-laudation. The Corinthians were in danger of being turned away from Christ by having their confidence in Paul undermined by the mis- representations of his enemies. It was therefore necessary for him to present the grounds which he had for claiming au- thority over them, and for asserting his superiority over his opponents. Yet so repugnant was this task to his feelings, that he not only humbly apologizes for thus speaking of him- self, but he finds it difiicult to do what he felt must be done. He over and over begins what he calls his boasting, and im- mediately turns aside to something else. He begs them to bear with him while he proceeds to praise himself, v. 1, for his doing so sprang from the purest motive, love for them and anxiety for their welfare, vs. 2. 3. An anxiety justified by the readmess with which they bore with those who preached another gospel, v. 4. He thus spoke because he was on a par with the chief apostles, and not behind those who among them claimed to be his superiors, v. 5. They might have higher pretensions as orators, but in knowledge and in every thing that really pertained to the apostolic ofiice he was abundantly manifest among them, v. 6. His refusal to avail himself of his right to be suj^ported by those to whom he preached was no offence to them, and no renunciation of his