2 Corinthians 11:17

Not after the Lord. As elsewhere (1 Cor. 7:6, 12, 25; 2 Cor. 8:8). Paul denies that what he is about to say is by divine command. He speaks simply in self-defense. Had Paul not made this point clear, he might, by doing so, seem to have justified his enemies in their habitual boasting. Paul would have his reason for boasting clearly understood. Perhaps from the outward point of view, Paul’s defense of himself may appear foolish. This he recognizes (see on ch. 11:1, 16). But from the point of view of his motives he is fully justified in doing so.