Note 8 at 2 Cor. 11:4: Once again, the context of this verse is very important to understand. Paul's teaching and authority had been questioned by those he called "false apostles" in verse 13. Previously, he had countered their criticisms on a doctrinal level. Now, he is questioning his critics' character and accomplishments. Who are they and what have they done that Paul hasn't done? As he begins to compare his resume with theirs, they come up on the "short end of the stick."

Note 9 at 2 Cor. 11:4: Most of the translations interpret this phrase "ye might well bear with him" as meaning the Corinthians were entertaining the false apostles who were promoting these heresies. The NIV translates this phrase as, "you put up with it easily enough." Paul is saying that the Corinthians were so gullible that they allowed anyone to preach anything he wanted to, and they didn't counter it. That's not good.

Paul goes on to say that they should consider the source. They should look at the lives of those who ministered to them and see the proper fruit before they embrace their doctrine. This is the exact point that the writer of Hebrews made in Hebrews 13:7. Paul then lists some of his qualifications, which were inferior to no one.