2 Corinthians 10:13

But we will not boast of things without [our] measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

But {G1161} we {G2249} will {G2744} not {G3780} boast {G2744} of things without {G1519} our measure {G280}, but {G235} according {G2596} to the measure {G3358} of the rule {G2583} which {G3739} God {G2316} hath distributed {G3307} to us {G2254}, a measure {G3358} to reach {G2185} even {G2532} unto {G891} you {G5216}.

We will not boast about what lies outside the area of work which God has given us; rather, we will boast within our assigned area, and that area does reach as far as you.

We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.

In 2 Corinthians 10:13, the Apostle Paul continues his defense against critics in Corinth who challenged his apostolic authority and methods. He asserts that his boasting is not reckless or without basis, but is strictly confined to the sphere of ministry that God Himself has appointed to him, a sphere that legitimately includes the Corinthian church.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader argument in 2 Corinthians chapter 10, where he contrasts his humble appearance with the spiritual power of his ministry. He is refuting false apostles and teachers who were undermining his work in Corinth. These opponents likely boasted of their own achievements and perhaps criticized Paul for not conforming to their standards of impressive oratory or worldly credentials. Paul, however, emphasizes that his authority and his right to minister to the Corinthians come directly from God, not from human approval or self-promotion. He distinguishes his legitimate boasting from the unmeasured boasting of his rivals, who operated outside their God-given boundaries, as he further elaborates in 2 Corinthians 10:15.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commission and Authority: Paul's ministry is not self-appointed but a direct assignment from God. His "measure of the rule" signifies a divinely established boundary or sphere of work, highlighting the concept of God distributing measures of faith and gifts for service.
  • Legitimate Boasting: Unlike the immoderate boasting of his opponents, Paul's boasting is confined to what God has actually accomplished through him within his assigned sphere. This demonstrates humility and reliance on God's power.
  • Sphere of Influence: The verse introduces the concept of a "measure" or "rule" as a specific area or boundary of ministry. Paul insists that the Corinthian church falls within the divinely appointed sphere of his apostolic outreach.
  • Apostolic Defense: This passage serves as a powerful defense of Paul's genuine apostleship to the Corinthians, affirming his right to instruct, correct, and guide them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "measure of the rule" translates the Greek metron tou kanonos (μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος). The word kanon (κανών) literally means a measuring rod, a standard, or a rule. By extension, it refers to a boundary, a sphere of activity, or a prescribed line of conduct. Paul is asserting that God has given him a specific "measuring line" or "sphere" of ministry, and that his work in Corinth is precisely within the limits of that divine assignment. This contrasts sharply with those who "boast of things without their measure," meaning they operate or claim authority outside their divinely appointed sphere.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today concerning Christian service and leadership. It encourages us to:

  • Recognize God-Given Assignments: Understand that our gifts, talents, and opportunities for service are distributed by God (1 Peter 4:10).
  • Operate Within Our Sphere: Focus on being faithful within the areas God has called us to, rather than striving for recognition or authority in areas outside our divine "measure."
  • Boast in God's Work: Any legitimate "boasting" should be about what God has accomplished through us, not about our own abilities or accomplishments. This aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 1:31: "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
  • Maintain Humility: True spiritual authority is rooted in divine appointment and humble service, not in self-promotion or comparison with others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 15:20

    Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

  • Romans 12:6

    Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

  • 2 Corinthians 10:14

    For we stretch not ourselves beyond [our measure], as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in [preaching] the gospel of Christ:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:15

    Not boasting of things without [our] measure, [that is], of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • Ephesians 4:7

    But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
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