2 Corinthians 10:16

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

In 2 Corinthians 10:16, the Apostle Paul articulates a core principle of his missionary strategy: expanding the reach of the gospel into new territories rather than building upon the established work of others. This verse is a powerful declaration of his commitment to pioneering evangelism and respecting the ministry boundaries of fellow laborers.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense against accusations from certain individuals in Corinth who were challenging his apostolic authority and methods. He contrasts his legitimate, God-given sphere of ministry with those who boasted in work they did not initiate or who sought to undermine his established churches. Paul emphasizes that his ambition is not to intrude on others' successes but to extend the Christian message to unreached areas. This passage follows his declaration in 2 Corinthians 10:15 about not boasting in "another man's line of things made ready to our hand," setting up his forward-looking vision for gospel expansion.

Key Themes

  • Pioneering Evangelism: Paul's deep desire to "preach the gospel in the regions beyond you" highlights a commitment to taking the good news of Christ to places where it had not yet been heard. This vision for expansion was central to his calling as the Apostle to the Gentiles, echoing his ambition stated in Romans 15:20.
  • Respect for Ministry Boundaries: The phrase "not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand" underscores Paul's ethical approach to ministry. He refused to take credit for or interfere with the work established by other apostles or evangelists, demonstrating humility and a focus on his distinct God-given assignment.
  • God-Given Sphere of Influence: Paul believed that God had given him a specific "measure" or sphere of ministry, and he sought to operate faithfully within those divine boundaries, always looking to expand the kingdom into new frontiers rather than consolidating power in existing ones.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "another man's line" translates the Greek word kanon (κανών), which literally means a measuring rod or a rule. In this context, it refers to a "sphere of activity," "assigned measure," or "established boundary." Paul is asserting that he does not operate outside his divinely appointed sphere by claiming credit for work done within another's established kanon. His intention is to extend his own God-given "line" into unreached territories, showing both a respect for others' work and a dynamic vision for new missionary endeavors.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 10:16 offers several powerful lessons:

  • Seek the Unreached: It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and comfortable ministries to identify those who have not yet heard the gospel. This could be geographical areas, specific demographics, or social groups, embodying the spirit of missionary outreach.
  • Collaborate with Respect: It teaches the importance of humility and respect among Christian workers. Instead of competing or claiming credit for others' efforts, we are called to appreciate and build upon the collective work of the body of Christ, focusing on our unique contributions.
  • Embrace Your God-Given Calling: Understanding your own "line" or sphere of influence, as God has uniquely gifted and called you, allows for focused and effective ministry, whether it's pioneering new initiatives or faithfully serving in an established role. This echoes the broader principle of using one's gifts for the common good, as discussed in Romans 12:6.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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.
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