2 Corinthians 11:19-21

2 Corinthians 11:19-21

[19] For  ye suffer  fools  gladly,  wise.  [20] For  ye suffer,  into bondage,  devour  take  exalt himself,  smite  on  the face.  [21] I speak  as concerning  reproach,  as  though  had been weak.  Howbeit  whereinsoever  any  is bold,  (I speak  foolishly,)  I am bold  also. 

What does 2 Corinthians 11:19-21 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The apostle was most ironical in these verses (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:10). The Corinthians considered themselves unusually wise, but they were being unusually foolish by not only humoring the fools in their midst but doing so gladly. They were absurdly tolerant. They submitted to the teaching of the false apostles even though it resulted in their own enslavement. Probably this teaching involved the Judaizing error (i.e, submission to the Mosaic Law is necessary for justification and or sanctification, cf. Galatians 2:4; Galatians 5:1). The false teachers had evidently devoured the Corinthians" financial contributions. They had abused them and exalted themselves at their expense. Hitting in the face may have occurred (cf. Acts 23:2; 1 Corinthians 4:11), but it definitely pictures the most insulting and harmful conduct. How inconsistent this behavior was with the manner of the Savior.
Ironically Paul feigned shame that he had behaved so weakly among them. Really it was the Corinthian Christians who should have been ashamed (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:34). Paul"s conduct had been Christ-like. Now he was experiencing abuse for such gentleness, as his Master had.