Why did Paul say the Corinthians should have commended him?
They should have commended him because his apostolic authority and loyalty to Christ were not inferior to the chiefest apostles. Rather than putting him down as of no count, they should have recognized his credentials; instead, they compelled him to boast as a fool.
Les explains that Paul did not enjoy glorying in his own credentials, but the Corinthians compelled him to do so because they were treating him as of no count. Paul had labored more abundantly, suffered more stripes, frequent imprisonments, and deaths often for the Gospel—sufferings unlike those of Peter, James, and John. Paul says he ought to have been commended by the Corinthians, not because of the Twelve’s preaching in Jerusalem, but because of his loyalty to Christ. He insists he was in nothing behind the very chiefest apostles, though in himself he was nothing. He never took credit but constantly affirmed his apostleship, and Les stresses this is something believers must overcome today as well.
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.
More Questions
What credentials did Paul lack that the Corinthians used against him?
Paul lacked the credentials the Corinthians wanted: he had no authority, no letters of commendation, and could not say he had ministered with Christ for three years as Peter could.
Why did Paul say the Corinthians had compelled him to glory and boast?
Paul was compelled to boast because the Corinthians constantly accused him of not being a rightful apostle.