2 Corinthians 12:5,6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Of such a one will I, or, I might, glory As a person highly favoured of Christ; yet of myself Considered as in myself; I will not glory Willingly; but in my infirmities See on 2 Corinthians 11:30. Instead of boasting of his raptures into the third heaven and into paradise, he will boast of those very weaknesses for which his enemies ridiculed him, because, the more weak and contemptible he appeared in the eyes of the world, the more clearly was his success in preaching shown to be the effect of the divine power. For if I should desire Θελησω, will, or, resolve; to glory Referring to, I might glory, (2 Corinthians 12:5,) of such a glorious revelation; I should not be a fool That is, it could not justly be accounted folly to relate the naked truth. But now I forbear I speak sparingly of these things; lest any one should think of me Whose presence is so mean, and whose speech is so contemptible; above that which he seeth me to be, &c. Above what my spirit and conduct and the constant exercise of my ministry would warrant. Macknight thinks he addresses the faction here by way of irony, and that the sense is, “I might with truth boast of the visions and revelations of the Lord with which I have been honoured, but I will not, for fear any of you should think me a greater person than my mean bodily appearance which he seeth, and my contemptible speech, which he heareth, warrant him to think me.”