12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Commentary
Vs. 12 "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
The Apostle Paul would not dare enter into the ring of carnal men and women and begin comparing himself or measuring himself by how they themselves measured themselves, that is by themselves! Because for Paul the standard of his person and life was and will always be Christ. For that is the only standard that we who believe are all to measure ourselves and compare ourselves by. Therefore all who measure themselves by themselves are not wise. For all such judgments are only rooted in human pride and vanity, and will not commend anyone before the throne of Christ at His judgment.
Vs. 13 "We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you."
And so in stark contrast to the false apostles, and those who were carnal amongst the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul would not boast beyond measure, that is in himself or in someone else and their sphere of influence as the false apostles were doing. Therefore if the Apostle was going to boast in anything it would only be in sphere which God appointed us, that is the realm that God had appointed to him and his ministry team to minister the Gospel in. Thus the Apostle Paul's boasting wasn't going to be in himself, or in someone else, and what they themselves had done, but only in what God had done in him and through him, and was doing amongst them to conform them (and us all) to the image of His Son.
Vs. 14 "For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ"
The Apostle now says to the Corinthians that in exercising Christ's authority to them he (and those with him) were not over extending themselves, since the Corinthians had been appointed to life through the Gospel that the Apostle Paul and those with him, preached to them, because they had been appointed to salvation by God through them, consider Acts 13:48). Therefore in no way was the Apostle Paul and his ministry team "overextending themselves" in exercising Christ's authority amongst them, since the Corinthians had been appointed to life through their ministry of the Gospel to them. Therefore in no way was not the Apostle Paul "overextending himself", but the false apostles amongst them, who had infiltrated their realm of faith where they only sought to usurp and ultimately undermine what Christ had already planted there amongst them through the Apostle Paul.
Vs. 15-16 "not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment."
And so just as the Apostle Paul did not overextend himself in exercising authority amongst them, neither than did the Apostle Paul boast in things beyond measure, that is in another man's labors so as to increase his own sphere of influence. That is Paul did not take credit for what Christ had accomplished through someone else. Instead Paul had hope that just as the Corinthians faith increased through Christ's ministry to them through him, his own sphere of influence would not only be greatly enlarged amongst them, but also he could preach the Gospel in regions well beyond them. For that is every true and faithful follower of Jesus Christ heartfelt longing and desire to see the Gospel go to regions it has never been. And not just geographical regions, but to every region and corner and facet of society and life where there is darkness and despair. For Christ alone can bring God's light, life and grace to all those who dwell in the shadow of sin, darkness, and death. For we want to bring the Gospel's soul healing, life transforming, long lasting satisfaction to all in need. How about you?
Vs. 17-18 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
The Apostle Paul then was not going to be involved in the vain self boasting and self commendation that marked the false apostles. For Paul's boasting was not in himself, in what he was, or could do, Paul's boasting was in the Lord and what He could do and had done, not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the Corinthians, who like himself were being transformed from one glory to another through his Word given by the Spirit of the Lord for the edification and instruction of us all.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
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