2 Corinthians 10:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To preach the gospel {G2097} in {G1519} the regions beyond {G5238} you {G5216}, and not {G3756} to boast {G2744} in {G1722} another man's {G245} line {G2583} of {G1519} things made ready to our hand {G2092}.

Complete Jewish Bible

namely, to proclaim the Good News in regions beyond you. Our hope is not to boast about the work already done by someone else.

Berean Standard Bible

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 10:16, the Apostle Paul articulates a foundational principle of his apostolic ministry: to expand the reach of the gospel into unreached territories rather than claiming credit for or interfering with the established work of other ministers. This verse encapsulates his pioneering missionary zeal and his commitment to ethical boundaries in ministry, reflecting a profound respect for God-given spheres of labor and a forward-looking vision for the global spread of Christ's message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's impassioned defense of his apostolic authority and integrity against a group of "super-apostles" or false teachers in Corinth who were challenging his legitimacy and methods. Throughout [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul Defends His Apostleship"), Paul contrasts his humble, Spirit-enPaul's impassioned defense of his apostolic authority and integrity against a group of "super-apostles" or false teachers in Corinth who were challenging his legitimacy and methods. Throughout [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul Defends His Apostleship"), Paul contrasts his humble, Spirit-empowered approach with their worldly boasting and self-commendation. He emphasizes that his authority is from God, given for building up, not tearing down, and that his "boasting" is only in the Lord. Verse 16 directly follows his assertion in [2 Corinthians 10:15](/2_corinthians/10-15 "2 Corinthians 10:15 - Paul's Refusal to Boast in Others' Labors") that he does not boast in "another man's labors" but expects his sphere of influence to expand as the Corinthians' faith grows. This sets the stage for his vision of preaching the gospel "beyond" Corinth, demonstrating a legitimate, divinely appointed ambition rather than an intrusive one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, strategically located for trade, but also known for its moral laxity and diverse philosophical and religious influences. Paul had established a vibrant church there, but after his departure, certain individuals, likely Jewish Christian teachers, arrived, challenging his authority, questioning his personal appearance, and accusing him of weakness or deceit. These opponents boasted of their own credentials and sought to undermine Paul's work, potentially by co-opting his converts. In this environment, Paul's assertion of distinct ministry "lines" or "spheres" was crucial. It was a common practice in the ancient world for philosophers and rhetoricians to establish schools or followings; Paul, however, sought to distinguish his apostolic work as divinely appointed and ethically structured, emphasizing pioneering evangelism over consolidating power in existing communities.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. **Pioneering Evangelism** is central, highlighting Paul's unwavering commitment to taking the gospel to unreached peoples and places, as seen in his ambition to preach where Christ was not named in [Romans 15:20-21](/romans/15-20-21 "Romans 15:20-21 - Paul's Missionary Ambition"). Another crucial theme is **Respect for Ministry Boundaries and Collaboration**, where Paul models an ethical approach to Christian service, refusing to infringe upon or claim credit for the work of others. This underscores the importance of humility and cooperation within the body of Christ, recognizing that different individuals have different callings and "measures" of faith, as he discusses in [Romans 12:3-6](/romans/12-3-6 "Romans 12:3-6 - Gifts and Humility in the Body of Christ"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Divine Appointment and Stewardship**, as Paul consistently emphasizes that his "line" or sphere of ministry is a gift and responsibility from God, not a self-chosen ambition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gospel (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** From εὖ (good) and ἄγγελος (messenger), meaning "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." In this context, it refers specifically to the proclamation of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul's primary mission was to declare this message, not to establish a personal following or empire.
* **boast (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** To vaunt, glory, or rejoice. This word can be used in both a positive sense (boasting in the Lord, as Paul does) and a negative sense (boasting in oneself or in human achievements). Here, Paul explicitly states his refusal to engage in the negative form of boasting—taking credit for work he did not initiate.
* **line (Greek, _kanṓn'_):** From an old noun meaning "a straight reed" or "rod," it literally means a rule, standard, or measuring line. Figuratively, it denotes a boundary, sphere of activity, or assigned measure. Paul uses it here to refer to his divinely appointed sphere of missionary work, distinct from the spheres of other apostles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you":** This clause reveals Paul's proactive and expansive missionary vision. His ambition was not to merely consolidate the work in Corinth but to use it as a launching pad for further evangelism into areas where the gospel had not yet been heard. The phrase "regions beyond you" (Greek: _hyperékeina hymōn_) signifies areas geographically and spiritually further afield from Corinth and the established churches. This demonstrates Paul's commitment to pioneering evangelism, always seeking new frontiers for the spread of Christ's message.
* **"and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand":** This second clause outlines Paul's ethical principle regarding ministry boundaries. He explicitly rejects the practice of taking credit for, or building upon, the work initiated and established by others. "Another man's line" (Greek: _allótrios kanṓn_) refers to the sphere of ministry or established work belonging to someone else. "Things made ready to our hand" (Greek: _hétoimos_) implies work that is already prepared, completed, or set up by another, such as established churches or converts. Paul's refusal to boast in such work underscores his integrity, humility, and respect for the distinct callings of fellow laborers in the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** throughout [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Apostolic Authority"), and it is particularly evident in this verse. He contrasts his legitimate, God-given ambition to expand into new territories with the illegitimate boasting of his opponents who intruded upon his established work. The phrase "another man's line" functions as a **Metaphor** for a divinely assigned sphere of ministry or a field of labor. This metaphorical "line" or "measuring rod" delineates boundaries, emphasizing the distinct, God-ordained areas of responsibility for different apostles and missionaries. Furthermore, the entire passage, including this verse, serves as a powerful example of **Apostolic Self-Defense**, where Paul not only refutes accusations but also articulates the principles and integrity of his God-commissioned ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 10:16 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian mission and inter-ministry ethics. It underscores the theological imperative to proclaim the gospel to all peoples, reflecting God's universal redemptive plan. It also highlights the importance of humility and respect among God's servants, recognizing that the work is ultimately God's, and each laborer has a unique, divinely appointed role. This verse challenges believers to look beyond established comforts to the unreached, while simultaneously fostering a spirit of collaboration rather than competition within the body of Christ. It reminds us that true spiritual authority is demonstrated not by self-promotion or territorialism, but by faithful stewardship of one's God-given calling and a relentless pursuit of the lost.

* [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Named")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-10](/1_corinthians/3-6-10 "1 Corinthians 3:6-10 - God Gives the Growth")
* [Galatians 2:9](/galatians/2-9 "Galatians 2:9 - Recognition of Apostolic Spheres")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's vision in 2 Corinthians 10:16 calls us to a dynamic and ethical approach to Christian service. It challenges us to consider where our "line" of ministry lies, not in a restrictive sense, but in understanding our unique gifts and calling within the larger body of Christ. Are we faithfully stewarding the opportunities God has placed before us, always looking for ways to expand the reach of the gospel, whether geographically, culturally, or relationally, into "regions beyond" our current comfort zones? This verse also serves as a powerful reminder for humility and respect in our interactions with other believers and ministries. Instead of criticizing, comparing, or competing, we are called to celebrate the diverse ways God is at work, honoring the distinct "lines" of others and collaborating for the greater glory of God's kingdom. Our ultimate aim should be the advancement of the gospel, not the building of personal empires or the appropriation of another's hard-won fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "regions beyond" is God calling me or my community to preach the gospel, whether literally or figuratively (e.g., new demographics, social spheres, or unreached individuals)?**
* **How can I better honor and support the "line" or sphere of ministry of other believers and churches, rather than inadvertently encroaching or boasting in their work?**
* **What specific "things made ready to our hand" might I be tempted to boast in, rather than focusing on the unique work God has called me to initiate or faithfully continue?**

### FAQ
**What does "another man's line" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Another man's line" (Greek: _allótrios kanṓn_) refers to the established sphere of influence, assigned territory, or specific area of ministry that legitimately belongs to another person, particularly another apostle or evangelist. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize his commitment to not intruding upon or taking credit for the work that others had initiated and developed. It's about respecting divinely appointed boundaries and focusing on one's own God-given commission to expand the gospel into new, unreached areas, rather than consolidating power or fame within existing Christian communities. This principle is a hallmark of Paul's ethical approach to missions, contrasting sharply with those who sought to undermine his work in Corinth.

**Is Paul suggesting that ministries should never collaborate or build on each other's work?**

Answer: Not at all. Paul's emphasis is on the ethical principle of not boasting in or taking credit for work that was primarily initiated and established by another. He is not forbidding collaboration or the natural progression of ministry where one person builds upon the foundation laid by another, as he himself discusses in [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Laying Foundations"). His concern is with prideful appropriation or undermining of another's legitimate sphere. In fact, Paul often worked with teams and encouraged churches to support his pioneering efforts, demonstrating a spirit of partnership. The core idea is humility and integrity: acknowledging the source of the work and focusing on extending the kingdom, not on personal glory or territorial disputes.

**How does this verse apply to modern missions and church planting?**

Answer: This verse provides crucial guidance for modern missions and church planting by advocating for pioneering evangelism and ethical collaboration. It encourages missionaries and church planters to identify and reach unreached peoples and places, rather than merely re-evangelizing already churched populations or competing with existing ministries. It also strongly promotes a spirit of humility and mutual respect among Christian workers, urging them to avoid "sheep stealing" or claiming credit for the work of others. Instead, it calls for strategic partnerships, acknowledging distinct callings, and focusing on the ultimate goal of seeing the gospel proclaimed where it has not yet been heard, echoing the spirit of the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's commitment to preaching the gospel in "regions beyond" and his refusal to boast in "another man's line" finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself was the ultimate pioneer, inaugurating a new covenant and establishing a kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries. He came not to build upon existing human systems or boast in the traditions of men, but to proclaim the radical good news of the [kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God") to those who had not yet heard or understood. Christ's mission was always outward-focused, reaching out to the marginalized, the lost, and the unreached, embodying the very spirit of pioneering evangelism that Paul champions. His humility, even to the point of death on the cross, demonstrates the antithesis of boasting in human achievement, as he [emptied himself, taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). The "gospel" Paul preached is the good news of Christ's finished work, a message not of human effort but of divine grace, freely offered to all who believe. Thus, Paul's missionary strategy, marked by humble expansion and respect for others, is a direct outworking of his devotion to the Lord Jesus, who himself laid the foundation for a global, boundary-breaking mission of salvation, commissioning his followers to [be witnesses to the ends of the earth](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth").

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 15:24

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company].

Romans 15:28

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.