2 Corinthians 10:13

Translations

Modern

We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

Traditional

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.

Literal

But we will not boast unto the things without measure, but according to the measure of the area that God apportioned to us, a measure to reach even as far as you.

Latin

Nos autem non in immensum gloriabimur, sed secundum mensuram regulæ, qua mensus est nobis Deus, mensuram pertingendi usque ad vos.

Original

Greek

English

We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

Notes

2 Corinthians 10:13–16

Paul respected the limits God set for his missionary work, which included working with the Corinthians. He defends his honesty and authority, stating that when he first came to Corinth (Acts 18:1–17), he did so because God called him. Paul was determined not to enter another's area (see Romans 15:20), and he was the first to bring the good news about Jesus to Corinth. His recent opponents visited the church much later (2 Corinthians 11:4), so their claim to Corinth as their area was unfounded.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.
These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:
1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).
2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.
3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

Romans 12:6
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 15:20
In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
Ephesians 4:7
Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:14–15
We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:11
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
Isaiah 28:17
I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
Proverbs 25:14
Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Romans 10:18
But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
Matthew 25:15
To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.
Psalm 19:4
…their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Boasting: Spiritual

2 Corinthians 10:13

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