TRV
Translation
King James Version
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,
World English Bible Messianic
not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Not boasting of things which are without our measure: that is, of other mens labours: and we hope, when your faith shall increase, to bee magnified by you according to our line aboundantly,
Young's Literal Translation
not boasting of the things not measured, in other men's labours, and having hope--your faith increasing--in you to be enlarged, according to our line--into abundance,
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In the KJVVerse 28,987 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10 verses 12–18
12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
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.
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:
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,
16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
In these verses observe,
I. The apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false apostles did, Co2 10:12. He plainly intimates that they took a wrong method to commend themselves, in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, which was not wise. They were pleased, and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in power and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note, If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and thankful for what we have of gifts or graces, but never pride ourselves therein, as if there were none to be compared with us or that did excel us. The apostle would not be of the number of such vain men: let us resolve that we will not make ourselves of that number.
II. He fixes a better rule for his conduct, namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him, Co2 10:13. His meaning is, either that he would not boast of more gifts or graces, or power and authority, than God had really bestowed on him; or, rather, that he would not act beyond his commission as to persons or things, nor go beyond the line prescribed to him, which he plainly intimates the false apostles did, while they boasted of other men's labors. The apostle's resolution was to keep within his own province, and that compass of ground which God had marked out for him. His commission as an apostle was to preach the gospel every where, especially among the Gentiles, and he was not confined to one place; yet he observed the directions of Providence, and the Holy Spirit, as to the particular places whither he went or where he did abide.
III. He acted according to this rule: We stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, Co2 10:14. And, particularly, he acted according to this rule in preaching at Corinth, and in the exercise of his apostolical authority there; for he came thither by divine direction, and there he converted many to Christianity; and, therefore, in boasting of them as his charge, he acted not contrary to his rule, he boasted not of other men's labours, Co2 10:15.
IV. He declares his success in observing this rule. His hope was that their faith was increased, and that others beyond them, even in the remoter parts of Achaia, would embrace the gospel also; and in all this he exceeded not his commission, nor acted in another man's line.
V. He seems to check himself in this matter, as if he had spoken too much in his own praise. The unjust accusations and reflections of his enemies had made it needful he should justify himself; and the wrong methods they took gave him good occasion to mention the better rule he had observed: yet he is afraid of boasting, or taking any praise to himself, and therefore he mentions two things which ought to be regarded: - 1. He that glorieth should glory in the Lord, Co2 10:17. If we are able to fix good rules for our conduct, or act by them, or have any good success in so doing, the praise and glory of all are owing unto God. Ministers in particular must be careful not to glory in their performances, but must give God the glory of their work, and the success thereof. 2. Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth, Co2 10:18. Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and self-applause is seldom any better than self-flattery and self-deceit. At the best, self-commendation is no praise, and it is oftentimes as foolish and vain as it is proud; therefore, instead of praising or commending ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God, and his approbation will be our best commendation.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 6
The primacy of knowledge the apostle shows to those capable of reflection, in writing to those Greeks of Corinth, in the following terms: "But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be magnified in you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the Gospel beyond you." He does not mean the extension of his preaching locally: for he says also that in Achaia faith abounded; and it is related also in the Acts of the Apostles that he preached the word in Athens. But he teaches that knowledge (gnosis), which is the perfection of faith, goes beyond catechetical instruction, in accordance with the magnitude of the Lord's teaching and the rule of the Church.
Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 6
The primacy of knowledge the apostle shows to those capable of reflection, in writing to those Greeks of Corinth, in the following terms: "But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall he magnified in you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the Gospel beyond you."
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Someone who takes pride in his own work is not being excessively proud of himself. A prudent man does not rely on the labors of others. This is why Paul does not claim any credit for those who have come to faith by the preaching of other evangelists.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 22 on 2 Corinthians
"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, so as to preach the Gospel even unto the parts beyond you, and not to glory in another's province in regard of things ready to our hand."
He sets forth a large accusation of them on these grounds, both that they boasted of things without their measure, and of other men's labors; and that whilst the whole of the toil was the Apostles', they plumed themselves upon their labors. 'But we,' says he, 'showed these things in our deeds. We will not imitate those men therefore, but will say such things where our deeds bear us witness. And why,' saith he, 'do I say, you?' "for I have hope that as your faith groweth;" for he doth not assert absolutely, preserving his own character, but, 'I hope,' he says, 'if you make progress, that our province will be extended even farther, "to preach the Gospel in the regions beyond." For we shall advance farther yet,' he says, 'so as to preach and labor, not so as to boast in words of what other men have labored.' And well did he call it "province and measure," as though he had come into possession of the world, and a rich inheritance; and showing that the whole was wholly God's. 'Having then such works,' he says, 'and expecting greater, we do not boast as they do who have nothing, nor do we ascribe any part to ourselves, but the whole to God.'
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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 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) and that true boasting is in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17). 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). 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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).
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).
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). 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). All true Christian ministry, including Paul's, is ultimately built upon Christ as the sole foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), and its expansion is the outworking of the Great Commission given by the resurrected Christ Himself (Matthew 28:18-20). Thus, Paul's aspiration for an enlarged ministry is fundamentally about the magnification of Christ's name and the spread of His glorious gospel.