2 Corinthians 11:30-31

Rather than boasting about his strengths, as his critics did, Paul boasted in his weaknesses, humiliations, and sufferings. These would not initially impress others with his qualifications as an apostle, but these afflictions had come upon him as he had served others and Christ faithfully. They were evidences that God had supernaturally sustained His servant through countless discouraging circumstances. They were, therefore, the greatest possible proof and vindication that Paul was an apostle (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; 2 Corinthians 12:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul’s boast was that he resembled the Suffering Servant; his life was like that of Christ. Paul called God as his witness that his claims, which probably seemed incredible to those who did not know him well, were true.

It seems probable that Paul anticipated what he was about to say in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 with his strong claim in 2 Corinthians 11:31. [Note: Alford, 2:707-8; Hughes, pp. 419-20; et al.] Others believe Paul was referring to what he had already written in this chapter. [Note: E.g., Tasker, p. 167; Hodge, p. 278; et al.] Still others think he meant what he wrote before and after this verse. [Note: E.g., Plummer, p. 332.]