John Chrysostom

Being about to enter upon his own praises he uses much previous correction. And he does this not once or twice, although the necessity of the subject, and what he had often said, were sufficient excuse for him. For he that remembereth sins which God remembered not, and who therefore saith that he was unworthy of the very name of the Apostles, even by the most insensate is seen clearly not to be saying what he is now going to say, for the sake of glory. …

Homily 23 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Intending to begin a discourse about his own praises, he made many qualifications, avoiding what is offensive to others in self-praise. Necessity compelled him to this, and the fear that it would harm his disciples if they began to despise him while regarding the false apostles as persons of importance. For even to the most slow-witted it is clear that he came to this out of pressing need and for the benefit of his disciples. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

After defending himself against the false charges placed against him by the false apostles, the Apostle, in order to refute them, that is, the false apostles, and render his own testimony more honorable, now commends himself to the Corinthians. In regard to this he does two things. First, he assigns the reason for his commendation; secondly, he makes the commendation (v. 21b). In regard to the first he does three things. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗