2 Corinthians 10:15

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} boasting {G2744} of things without {G1519} our measure {G280}, that is, of {G1722} other men's {G245} labours {G2873}; but {G1161} having {G2192} hope {G1680}, when your {G5216} faith {G4102} is increased {G837}, that we shall be enlarged {G3170} by {G1722} you {G5213} according {G2596} to our {G2257} rule {G2583} abundantly {G1519}{G4050},

Complete Jewish Bible

We do not boast about the area in which others labor; but our hope is that as your trust grows, we will be magnified in your midst in relation to our own area of work, so that we can go on to do even more,

Berean Standard Bible

Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well,

American Standard Version

not glorying beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors; but having hope that, as your faith groweth, we shall be magnified in you according to our province unto further abundance,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 10:15, the Apostle Paul articulates a foundational principle of legitimate apostolic ministry, distinguishing his approach from that of his opponents in Corinth. He asserts that his boasting is not in achievements outside his divinely appointed sphere or in taking credit for the labors of others. Instead, Paul expresses a hopeful anticipation that as the faith of the Corinthian believers grows, his own God-given sphere of ministry will be expanded, allowing him to further the gospel into new regions, thereby magnifying God's work rather than his own ego.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly polemical section of 2 Corinthians (chapters 10-13), where Paul vigorously defends his apostolic authority and ministry against "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These opponents likely boasted of their eloquence, worldly credentials, and perhaps even claimed credit for the spiritual growth of the Corinthians, undermining Paul's foundational work. Paul's argument in [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Apostolic Authority") contrasts his humble appearance and reliance on divine power with their worldly boasting and self-promotion. He emphasizes that his spiritual weapons are mighty through God ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare")) and that true boasting is in the Lord ([2 Corinthians 10:17](/2_corinthians/10-17 "2 Corinthians 10:17 - Boasting in the Lord")). Verse 15 specifically addresses the geographical and ministerial boundaries of his calling, asserting his commitment to operate within the sphere God had assigned him, rather than encroaching on others' established ministries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, known for its wealth, diverse population, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric and public speaking. In this environment, charismatic orators who could impress with their eloquence and worldly wisdom were highly esteemed. Paul's opponents likely capitalized on these cultural preferences, presenting themselves as superior to Paul, whose physical presence was "weak" and speech "contemptible" ([2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Opponents' View")). There was a common practice among ancient philosophers and rhetoricians to "poach" students or followers from rivals. Paul's statement about "other men's labours" directly counters this competitive and self-aggrandizing spirit, aligning himself instead with a principle of orderly, divinely-directed expansion of the gospel, respecting the established work of others. His "rule" or "measure" was not a self-imposed limitation but a recognition of God's specific assignment for him as the apostle to the Gentiles.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Legitimate Apostolic Authority and Ministry Boundaries**. Paul consistently affirmed his unique calling from God, and here he defines the scope of that calling, refusing to boast beyond his divinely appointed "measure" or "rule." This contrasts sharply with the unprincipled expansionism of his opponents, who seemed to disregard such boundaries. Secondly, the verse underscores **Interdependence in the Body of Christ and Gospel Expansion**. Paul's hope for enlargement is contingent on the Corinthians' increased faith, illustrating that the spiritual maturity of one group of believers can directly facilitate the outreach and impact of another's ministry. This emphasizes a collaborative, rather than competitive, model of ministry, where the growth of the church empowers further gospel advance. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Humility and Dependence on God**. Unlike those who boasted in their own accomplishments, Paul's aspiration for an "enlarged" ministry is rooted in the spiritual growth of others, ultimately dependent on God's work in them. This aligns with his overarching message that true strength and authority come from God, not human prowess ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measure (Greek, _ámetros'_):** From G280, meaning "immoderate" or "without measure." In this context, Paul uses it to describe the improper boasting of his opponents who operate outside their divinely appointed sphere of influence or claim credit for work they did not initiate. It signifies a lack of proper boundary or limit.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From G1680, referring to expectation or confidence, usually with pleasure. Paul expresses a confident anticipation that the spiritual growth of the Corinthians will lead to the legitimate expansion of his ministry, not a mere wishful thinking but a firm conviction based on God's design for the spread of the gospel.
* **enlarged (Greek, _megalýnō'_):** From G3170, meaning "to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol." Here, it denotes an expansion or magnification of Paul's legitimate sphere of ministry. This enlargement is not for personal glory but for the greater spread of the gospel into new territories, enabled by the maturing faith of the Corinthian church.
* **rule (Greek, _kanṓn'_):** From G2583, meaning a standard, a rule, or a sphere of activity. For Paul, this "rule" represents his God-given apostolic assignment, his divinely established sphere of influence and activity, particularly as the apostle to the Gentiles. It is the established principle or boundary within which he operates and seeks to expand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not boasting of things without [our] measure, [that is], of other men's labours;":** Paul begins by clarifying what his boasting is *not*. He refutes the practice of claiming credit for work that falls outside his divinely appointed "measure" or sphere of ministry. This directly addresses the accusations of his opponents who might have accused him of overstepping or who themselves were taking credit for the Corinthians' conversion, which was largely due to Paul's initial evangelism. He explicitly states his refusal to boast in "other men's labours," highlighting his commitment to building on no one else's foundation, a principle he articulates elsewhere ([Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Principle of Not Building on Another's Foundation")).
* **"but having hope, when your faith is increased,":** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("but") to the previous negative statement. Paul shifts from what he *doesn't* do to what he *does* hope for. His hope is anchored in the spiritual growth of the Corinthian believers. The phrase "when your faith is increased" signifies their spiritual maturity, deeper understanding, and stronger commitment to Christ. This increase in faith is presented as a prerequisite or catalyst for the subsequent enlargement of his ministry.
* **"that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,":** Here, Paul articulates the positive outcome of the Corinthians' increased faith. Their spiritual growth will "enlarge" or expand his legitimate sphere of ministry. This enlargement is "by you," indicating that their maturity will enable him to move beyond Corinth to new, unreached areas. Crucially, this expansion is "according to our rule," meaning it will still be within the boundaries and principles of his God-given apostolic calling, not an unrestrained or opportunistic expansion. The adverb "abundantly" (G1519 + G4050) emphasizes the generous and overflowing nature of this divinely orchestrated expansion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. **Contrast** is central, as he meticulously distinguishes his legitimate, God-ordained ministry from the self-aggrandizing practices of his opponents. He contrasts "boasting of things without our measure" with his "hope" for enlargement based on the Corinthians' faith, setting up a clear dichotomy between worldly and spiritual principles of ministry. The concepts of "measure" (ámetros) and "rule" (kanṓn) function as **Metaphors** for divinely appointed boundaries and spheres of ministry, illustrating that God assigns specific fields of labor to His servants. The phrase "enlarged... abundantly" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the desired extensive and fruitful expansion of his gospel outreach, fueled by the spiritual vitality of the Corinthian church. Furthermore, the idea of the Corinthians' "faith" increasing and thereby enabling Paul's ministry can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "faith" represents the broader spiritual maturity and responsiveness of the entire community, which then facilitates the collective mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's articulation in 2 Corinthians 10:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true ministry and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. It underscores the principle that effective gospel expansion is not driven by human ambition or competitive boasting, but by divine assignment and the spiritual maturity of believers. God, in His sovereignty, grants specific "measures" or "rules" of ministry, defining the scope and boundaries of each servant's labor. This promotes order and unity, preventing unhealthy competition and the undermining of others' foundational work. The verse beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship within the church: the spiritual growth of individual believers (the Corinthians' increased faith) directly empowers and enables the broader mission of the church (Paul's enlarged ministry). This highlights that every believer's spiritual journey contributes to the collective advance of God's kingdom, making the church a dynamic, interdependent organism.

* [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Principle of Not Building on Another's Foundation")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Growing in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 10:15 provide a powerful framework for evaluating our own ministries, callings, and interactions within the Christian community. It challenges us to honestly assess whether our efforts are driven by a desire for personal recognition or by a faithful stewardship of the specific "measure" or "rule" God has given us. We are called to celebrate and support the work of others, rather than to envy, compete with, or take credit for their "labours." This verse encourages a profound sense of interdependence: our individual spiritual growth, our deepening faith, and our increasing maturity in Christ are not merely for our personal benefit but are vital catalysts for the expansion of the gospel through the ministries of others. When we grow in faith, we empower the collective mission, enabling the church to reach further and more abundantly into the world. This perspective fosters humility, collaboration, and a shared vision for God's kingdom, reminding us that true impact is a collective endeavor, rooted in faithfulness to our divine assignment and nurtured by the spiritual vitality of the entire body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be tempted to "boast of things without my measure" or take credit for "other men's labours"?**
* **How does my personal spiritual growth and "increased faith" contribute to the "enlargement" of the gospel mission through others in my community or beyond?**
* **What does it mean for me to identify and operate "according to my rule" or God-given sphere of influence, and how can I do so more faithfully?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "without our measure" and "our rule"?**

Answer: In 2 Corinthians 10:15, Paul uses "without our measure" (Greek: _ámetros_) and "our rule" (Greek: _kanṓn_) to refer to the divinely appointed boundaries and sphere of his apostolic ministry. "Measure" implies a limit or extent of activity, while "rule" signifies a standard, principle, or a defined territory of operation. Paul is asserting that he does not boast about achievements or claim authority in areas where God has not specifically assigned him to work, nor does he take credit for the evangelistic or discipleship work initiated by other apostles or ministers. His ministry is not opportunistic or self-serving, but operates strictly within the divine commission and geographical boundaries God has established for him, particularly as the apostle to the Gentiles ([Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Principle of Not Building on Another's Foundation")).

**How can the "increase" of the Corinthians' faith lead to Paul's ministry being "enlarged"?**

Answer: The "increase" of the Corinthians' faith refers to their spiritual maturity, growth in understanding, and strengthened commitment to Christ. This spiritual vitality would have several practical implications that would "enlarge" Paul's ministry. Firstly, a more mature church would be more stable, requiring less direct oversight from Paul, thus freeing him to move on to unreached areas. Secondly, their increased faith would likely manifest in greater financial support, prayer, and even personnel, enabling Paul to fund and staff new missionary endeavors. Thirdly, a strong, vibrant church in Corinth would serve as a powerful testimony and base of operations, providing a launching pad for further evangelism into the regions beyond them. Paul envisioned a domino effect: as the Corinthian church matured, it would become a self-sustaining and outward-focused community, allowing him to extend his "rule" or sphere of influence further into new territories where Christ had not yet been proclaimed ([Romans 15:23-24](/romans/15-23-24 "Romans 15:23-24 - Paul's Desire to Go to Spain")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 10:15 speaks directly to Paul's apostolic ministry and its legitimate boundaries, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it reflects the very nature and mission of Christ, and how all true ministry flows from Him. Paul's commitment to operating within his "measure" and "rule" mirrors Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will and His defined mission. Jesus Himself did not boast of things outside His divine commission but perfectly fulfilled the work given to Him ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Father's Will")). His "labors" were uniquely His, culminating in the ultimate work of redemption on the cross. Furthermore, the "enlargement" of Paul's ministry, contingent on the increase of faith, finds its ultimate source and goal in Christ. It is faith *in Christ* that grows, and it is the Kingdom *of Christ* that is expanded. The humility Paul exemplifies, refusing to take credit for others' work, echoes Christ's own self-emptying love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). All true Christian ministry, including Paul's, is ultimately built upon Christ as the sole foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ as the Only Foundation")), and its expansion is the outworking of the Great Commission given by the resurrected Christ Himself ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Paul's aspiration for an enlarged ministry is fundamentally about the magnification of Christ's name and the spread of His glorious gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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:

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

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.

Acts 5:13

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.