I speak as concerning {l} reproach, as though we had been {m} weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

(l) As if he said, In respect of that reproach which they do to you, which surely is as evil as if they beat you.

(m) Paul is called weak, in that he seems to be to the Corinthians a vile and abject man, a beggarly craftsman, a most wretched and miserable idiot, whereas in reality God's mighty power was made manifest in that.

People's New Testament

11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. The opposers had said that his bodily presence was weak (2Co 10:10). They had suffered what he had described in 2Co 11:20, but he had never been so bold. Yet, wherein any were bold, he had the right to be bold also. He next states grounds which he might have for boasting.

Wesley's Notes

11:21 I speak with regard to reproach, as though we had been weak - I say, Bear with me, even on supposition that the weakness be real which they reproach me with.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

21. as concerning reproach-rather, "by way of dishonor (that is, self-disparagement) I say it."

as though we . weak-in not similarly (2Co 11:20) showing our power over you. "An ironical reminiscence of his own abstinence when among them from all these acts of self-exaltation at their expense" (as if such abstinence was weakness) [Alford]. The "we" is emphatically contrasted with the false teachers who so oppressively displayed their power. I speak so as though WE had been weak when with you, because we did not show our power this way. Howbeit (we are not really weak; for), whereinsoever any is bold . I am bold also.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

11:16-21 It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.