Book of 2 Corinthians - Chapter 11 - Verse 17

When the apostle Paul wrote the verse "That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting," he was addressing the Corinthians about his boasting and defending his authority as an apostle. Paul is acknowledging that his boasting does not come from the Lord, but rather from his own human perspective. He is speaking in a self-deprecating manner, recognizing that in boasting about his own accomplishments and experiences, he is departing from the usual way he would speak as a follower of Christ. Paul's use of boasting here is not to promote himself, but to highlight the challenges he has faced in his ministry and to emphasize the true source of his strength, which is God. This verse serves as a reminder that even the most devoted followers of Christ may struggle with pride and self-promotion, but ultimately, our confidence should be placed in the Lord and not in our own abilities.

In this verse, the apostle Paul is addressing a situation where he is sharing his thoughts and opinions on a matter, rather than directly quoting the teachings of Jesus. This is an important distinction to make, as Paul wants to clarify that he is speaking based on his own understanding and not necessarily on direct divine inspiration. By acknowledging that his words are not from the Lord but from his own perspective, Paul is highlighting the difference between his personal beliefs and the authority of Christ's teachings. Additionally, Paul mentions that he is speaking 'foolishly' and in a 'confidence of boasting,' indicating that his words may not be in line with the typical wisdom or humility expected of a Christian leader. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of discerning between human opinions and divine truths, while also recognizing the limitations of human understanding in interpreting and applying biblical principles.