Why does Paul call himself a fool in 2 Corinthians 12:11?
Paul calls himself a fool in 2 Corinthians 12:11 because the Corinthians compelled him by their constant resistance to his authority and refusal to believe him. He was forced to glory or boast in defense of his apostleship, yet he did so not from egotism or pride, but to show he had no pride in himself.
Les explains that Paul uses the word "fool" in 2 Corinthians 12:11 merely to show he has no pride in himself and is not an egotist. The Corinthians' constant resistance to his authority forced him to come back and prove his apostleship. Paul says, "You have compelled me," meaning they caused him to say all this because they would not believe him. He notes he ought to have been commended by them, and that he is not behind the chiefest apostles—Peter, James, and John—the inner sanctum of the twelve; in fact, he is even ahead of them. Les also points out that this repetition (three times in a chapter) is for emphasis, as Scripture often repeats things in a short span so we take note.
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.