John Calvin Reformed @genevareformer

1. Would that ye did bear with me. As he saw that the ears of the Corinthians were still in part pre-engaged, “Des propos des faux apostres;” — “By the speeches of the false apostles.” he has recourse to another contrivance, for he turns to express a wish, as persons do when they do not venture openly to entreat.

Matthew Henry Presbyterian @wholebiblehenry

Here we may observe, 1. The apology the apostle makes for going about to commend himself. He is loth to enter upon this subject of self-commendation: Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, Co2 11:1. He calls this folly, because too often it is really no better.

Commenting on 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

John Gill Reformed Baptist @doctorgill

Would to God you could bear with me a little,.... The false apostles boasted so much of their gifts, abilities, and usefulness, that the apostle found himself under a necessity of saying some things in his own defence, for the honour of God, and the good of this church; which otherwise his modesty would not have permitted him, and which he saw would be accounted...