Note 7 at 2 Cor. 12:5: Paul had been pressured into boasting (see note 2 at 2 Cor. 11:1, p. 1033), but his boasting was noticeably different from the boasting of his accusers. He had gloried in the things he had suffered, not in the great things he had done for the Lord. Paul knew that Jesus deserved all the credit for any good thing that came through him, so he wouldn't boast of his accomplishments. His only boast was in the suffering he had endured for the cause of Christ (Phil. 3:7-10).

Note 8 at 2 Cor. 12:5: This phrase, "mine infirmities" is in reference to 2 Corinthians 11:30, which says, ". . .I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities." Paul listed a number of persecutions and afflictions that he had suffered during his ministry and he specifically identifies them as his infirmities. It is important to note that sickness and disease were not included among them (see note 17 at 2 Cor. 11:27, p. 1039).