2 Corinthians chapter 10

vs 10

For Greeks, the ability to speak strongly was highly respected. For Paul not to have it, and yet to have had such an impact in the greek-speaking world is a testimony to God. But some people might still remain unimpressed.

vs 11

Pretty strong language. Paul obviously has been quite gentle when with them in the past. But he's almost threatening to become "Letter Paul" in person. Big 'L' on his shirt and all.

vs 12

Paul has already quasi-commended himself. I say himself, I think he's used the testimony of the Corinthians, and others, to comend himself. These others simply commend themselves, perhaps by how good at speaking they are. Action speaks louder than words, I think Paul is saying. Paul has planted and matured churches all over the place, these people have... well, talked nicely.

vs 13

Paul isn't beyond boasting. After all, what good is it if his reputation, given to him through the work that God has done through him, is not recognised? Not to say he's not being humble, but humility and modesty are not the same. He's happy to boast, but only about what God has done.

vs 14

Paul wants to remind them that he in fact was the one who brought the gospel with them, so if he came as far as Corinth to share the gospel, he can boast about that far. They know his works, and they know what he's saying is true.

vs 15-16

Paul knows he's not the only one to have worked among the Corinthians. Apollos and Peter both had (early in 1 Corinthians this comes up). The thing is, Paul wants to move beyond Corinth. He wants it to stop being a mission field, and to start being a mission sender. He wants to go there, be refreshed, be reloaded, and then fired into the depths of new places! But at present, they aren't ready for that. He still needs to spend so much time with them sorting them out.

vs 17-18

Paul wants his commendation to come from God, and that comes best, apparently, when you're not involved in someone else's work.But regardless of that, Paul wants his boasting to be about how God has commended him to go and reach the non-Jewish world. He obviously thinks that he is commended by God.