He gloried in infirmities when he boasted of them, that is, re- ferred to them as things whicli reflected honour on him and were to him a source of joy. As they were thus the occa- sions of manifesting the power of Christ, Paul was pleased with them and was glad that he was subjected to them. In- firmities is a general term, including every thing in our condi- tion, whether moral or physical, which is an evidence or manifestation of weakness. From the context it is plain that the reference is here to sufferings, of which reproaches, neces- sities, persecutions and distresses were different forms. For ChrisPs sake. These words belong to all the preceding terms. It was in the sufferings, whether reproaches, necessi- ties, persecutions. or distresses, endured for Christ's sake, that the apostle took pleasure. Not in suffering in itself consid- ered, not in self-inflicted sufferings, nor in those which were the consequences of his own folly or evil dispositions, but in sufferings endured for Christ's sake, or considered as the con- dition of the manifestation of his power. For ichen I am iceah^ then am I strong. When really weak in ourselves, and conscious of that weakness, we are in the state suited to the manifestation of the power of God. When emptied of our- selves we are filled with God. Those who think they can change their own hearts, atone for their own sins, subdue the power of evil in their own souls or in the souls of others, who feel able to sustain themselves nnder afiliction, God leaves to their OAvn resources. But when they feel and acknowledge their weakness he communicates to them divine strength.
11. I am become a fool in glorying ; ye have com- pelled me : for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
I am become a fool., &c. This some understand as ironi- cally said, because the self-vindication contamed in what pre- cedes was not an act of folly, although it might be so regarded by Paul's opposers. It is more natural, and more in keeping with the whole context, to understand the words as express- ing the apostle's own feelings. Self-laudation is folly. It was derogatory to the apostle's dignity, and painful to his feelings, but he was forced to submit to it. And, therefore, in his case and under the circumstances, although humiliating, it was