Having made his appeal, countering both the criticism and the self-commendation of his opponents, Paul proceeds to support it by pointing to several subsidiary issues (in 11:1–6, that of faithfulness to the gospel) at stake in this contest for authority. To do this, however, he must engage in the foolishness of an apology in defense of himself and his preaching. But because of his jealous love for the Corinthians, and his desire as their “father” to present the church to Christ as a “pure virgin” bride, untainted by the errors of others, Paul is willing to make his appeal on any terms (11:2).

Paul’s chief concern, however, is not his own status but the minds of his converts (men or women), which “may somehow be led astray” by arguments about authority and deceived about truth in this matter…