TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
so as to proclaim the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And to preache the Gospel in those regions which are beyonde you: not to reioyce in another mans line, that is, in the thinges that are prepared alreadie.
Young's Literal Translation
in the places beyond you to proclaim good news, not in another's line in regard to the things made ready, to boast;
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In the KJVVerse 28,988 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.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
What Paul wants is to preach the gospel to those to whom the message has not yet been given, so that God will be glorified by his labor.
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 10:16, 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs Contrast throughout 2 Corinthians 10, 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.
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
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. 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.
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 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. 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.