2 Corinthians 10:12-17

New King James Version

Limits of Paul’s Authority

¹²^(A)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^(B)We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. ¹⁴For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), ^(C)for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; ¹⁵not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, ^(D)in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, ¹⁶to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

¹⁷But ^(E)“he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

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2 Corinthians 10:12-17

New International Version

¹²We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.^(A) When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. ¹³We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,^(B) a sphere that also includes you. ¹⁴We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you^(C) with the gospel of Christ.^(D) ¹⁵Neither do we go beyond our limits^(E) by boasting of work done by others.^(F) Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,^(G) our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶so that we can preach the gospel^(H) in the regions beyond you.^(I) For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. ¹⁷But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”^[a]^(J)