²⁰ It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel^(A) where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.^(B)

¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us,^(A) a sphere that also includes you. ¹⁴ We 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^(B) with the gospel of Christ.^{(C) 15} Neither do we go beyond our limits^(D) by boasting of work done by others.^(E) Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow,^(F) our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel^(G) in the regions beyond you.^(H) For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory.

⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(A) you are God’s field,^(B) God’s building.^(C)

¹⁰ By the grace God has given me,^(D) I laid a foundation^(E) as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^{(F) 12} If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is,^(G) because the Day^(H) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.^{(I) 14} If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.^{(J) 15} If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.^(K)

²⁰ built^(A) on the foundation^(B) of the apostles and prophets,^(C) with Christ Jesus himself^(D) as the chief cornerstone.^{(E) 21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple^(F) in the Lord. ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.^(G)