2 Corinthians 11:21-22

After repeated warnings that he was going to boast (2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:6; 2 Corinthians 11:16), Paul now finally began. At first he matched each of his critic’s claims: "So am I."

"It is probable that this ’Speech’ mirrors, but so as to parody and also correct, the claims of the newly arrived false apostles." [Note: Barnett, p. 534.]

"Thus the ’Speech’ proper has elements of antitriumphalism as well as of triumph, characteristics that inexactly replicate those in the remarkable victory parade metaphor set out in 2 Corinthians 2:14." [Note: Ibid., p. 535.]

The term "Hebrew" had three connotations. A "Hebrew" was a pure-blooded Jew and or one who could read the Old Testament in the original languages and speak Aramaic as contrasted with one who knew only Greek (cf. Acts 6:1; Philippians 3:5).

"’Hebrew’ . . . denotes Jews whose family ties were Palestinian, if they were not wholly resident in Palestine. . . . It looks very much as if Paul’s opponents at Corinth were of Palestinian provenance." [Note: Bruce, 1 and 2 Corinthians, pp. 240-1.]

As an Israelite, Paul was a member of God’s chosen people, as his critics were. Paul traced his descent all the way back to Abraham. He probably did so to connect himself with the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant and circumcision, both of which were of cardinal importance to the Jews. Thus in his upbringing, his citizenship, and his ancestry Paul was not inferior to any of his Jewish critics.