Jan Lambrecht, «The Fool’s Speech and Its Context: Paul’s Particular Way of Arguing in 2 Cor 10–13», Vol. 82 (2001) 305-324
Paul’s particular way of arguing in 2 Cor 10–13 is visible in the Fool’s Speech (11,22–12,10) as well as in its context. The speech is interrupted more than once and there are shifts regarding the object of boasting. The introduction to the speech (11,1-21) is not straightforward and two brief retrospections (12,11a and 19a) should not go unnoticed. The major topic in this study, however, consists in the indication of three rings within the context of the Fool’s Speech: (1) 10,1 and 13,11 (moral exhortation); (2) 10,2-18 and 13,1-10 (Paul’s defense of his authority); (3) 11,5-12 and 12,11b-18 (Paul denies inferiority). Yet from the presence of these enveloping rings a strict concentric structure of 2 Cor 11–13 cannot be deduced. Special attention must also be given to 10,8.12-18 and 11,3-4.12-15.18-20. In these passages Paul, by comparing and attacking, seems to prepare his boasting as a fool in a more direct way.
it were, miraculous liberation. One can rightly ask the question whether the expression ta_ th=j a)sqenei/aj mou (11,30) adequately covers all that is listed in vv. 23b-334.
In 12,1-10 Paul speaks of his personal life, no longer of his apostolic endeavors5. A shift is also present here. After having resumed his boasting, now about visions and revelations (v. 1), he breaks off the report of one such vision (vv. 2-4) abruptly and instead goes on: in order that I might not be unduly elated through those revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh; notwithstanding my prayer, that messenger of Satan did not go away from me. Paul receives the Lord’s answer: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (v. 9a). One thus notices the contrast between abundant privileges and a lasting personal suffering. At the end of the discourse Paul even dares to say: I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses; finally, by way of summary: I am content with weaknesses and hardships and persecutions for the sake of Christ. The power of Christ dwells in Paul; whenever he is weak, then he is strong (cf. vv. 9b-10)6. We see that there is, again, a shift with regard to the object of boasting: boasting of revelations and of weaknesses.
Paul’s foolish discourse contains a whole range of objects for boasting, indeed.
3. Announcements in 11,1-21
In 11,1-21 Paul hesitatingly and repetitively announces what he is going to do in his speech. Two passages merit our special attention: vv. 1-4 and vv. 16-21 (cf. pa/lin le/gw in v. 16).
In vv. 16-18 and 21b five elements can be distinguished: (1) Paul makes an explicit appeal: ‘accept me...’ (v. 16); (2) He manifests his decision to boast; (3) he considers boasting a foolish action and, therefore, excuses himself by admitting it; (4) however, he is convinced that properly speaking he is not a fool; and (5) Paul