2 Corinthians 11:6

Rude. Greek idiotes, “unlearned,” “illiterate,” “unskilled” (cf. Acts 4:13). In classical Greek idiotes denotes a lack of skill in any art or profession. In 1 Cor. 14:16, 23, 24 it refers to persons lacking the gift of tongues. Though Paul here refers to himself as an unskilled speaker (cf. 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1, 4), he was no mean speaker (Acts 14:12; 22:1-21; 24:10-21; 26:2-29). Corinth and Athens were the principal centers of Greek oratorical skill and learning, and the Corinthians were accustomed to this type of speechmaking. No doubt this explains, in part, their appreciation of Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). Paul was apparently not trained in the art of speaking classical Greek and thus made no profession of being eloquent. Furthermore, to depend primarily on eloquence would tend to exalt the speaker rather than his message.

Not in knowledge. Paul laid claim to something of far greater importance than oratorical skill. He knew the mind and will of Christ, and had an understanding of spiritual truths necessary to salvation (1 Cor. 2:4-16; Gal. 1:12, 16; Eph. 3:3, 4, 18, 19). He knew Christ, whom to know is life everlasting. This truth transcends all other knowledge (John 17:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:5, 18, 24; 4:2; 5:18-20).

Made manifest. Or, “made evident,” “made plain.”