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2 Corinthians 10:1-18 King James Version (KJV)

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

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.


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Now G1161 I G1473 Paul G3972 myself G846 beseech G3870 you G5209 by G1223 the meekness G4236 and G2532 gentleness G1932 of Christ, G5547 who G3739 in G2596 presence G4383 am base G3303 G5011 among G1722 you, G5213 but G1161 being absent G548 am bold G2292 toward G1519 you: G5209

2 But G1161 I beseech G1189 you, that I may not G3361 be bold G2292 when I am present G3918 with that confidence, G4006 wherewith G3739 I think G3049 to be bold G5111 against G1909 some, G5100 which G3588 think G3049 of us G2248 as G5613 if we walked G4043 according G2596 to the flesh. G4561

3 For G1063 though we walk G4043 in G1722 the flesh, G4561 we do G4754 not G3756 war G4754 after G2596 the flesh: G4561

4 (For G1063 the weapons G3696 of our G2257 warfare G4752 are not G3756 carnal, G4559 but G235 mighty G1415 through God G2316 to G4314 the pulling down G2506 of strong holds;) G3794

5 Casting down G2507 imaginations, G3053 and G2532 every G3956 high thing G5313 that exalteth itself G1869 against G2596 the knowledge G1108 of God, G2316 and G2532 bringing into captivity G163 every G3956 thought G3540 to G1519 the obedience G5218 of Christ; G5547

6 And G2532 having G2192 in G1722 a readiness G2092 to revenge G1556 all G3956 disobedience, G3876 when G3752 your G5216 obedience G5218 is fulfilled. G4137

7 Do ye look on G991 things after G2596 the outward appearance? G4383 If any man G1536 trust G3982 to himself G1438 that he is G1511 Christ's, G5547 let him G3049 of G575 himself G1438 think G3049 this G5124 again, G3825 that, G3754 as G2531 he G846 is Christ's, G5547 even G2532 so G3779 are we G2249 Christ's. G5547

8 For G1063 G2532 though G1437 G5037 I should boast G2744 somewhat G5100 more G4055 of G4012 our G2257 authority, G1849 which G3739 the Lord G2962 hath given G1325 us G2254 for G1519 edification, G3619 and G2532 not G3756 for G1519 your G5216 destruction, G2506 I should G153 not G3756 be ashamed: G153

9 That G3363 I may G1380 not G3363 seem G1380 as G5613 if G302 I would terrify G1629 you G5209 by G1223 letters. G1992

10 For G3754 his letters, G1992 G3303 say they, G5346 are weighty G926 and G2532 powerful; G2478 but G1161 his bodily G4983 presence G3952 is weak, G772 and G2532 his speech G3056 contemptible. G1848

11 Let G3049 such an one G5108 think G3049 this, G5124 that, G3754 such as G3634 we are G2070 in word G3056 by G1223 letters G1992 when we are absent, G548 such G5108 will we be also G2532 in deed G2041 when we are present. G3918

12 For G1063 we dare G5111 not G3756 make G1469 ourselves of the number, G1469 or G2228 compare G4793 ourselves G1438 with G4793 some G5100 that commend G4921 themselves: G1438 but G235 they G846 measuring G3354 themselves G1438 by G1722 themselves, G1438 and G2532 comparing G4793 themselves G1438 among G4793 themselves, G1438 are G4920 not G3756 wise. G4920

13 But G1161 we G2249 will G2744 not G3780 boast G2744 of things without G1519 our measure, G280 but G235 according G2596 to the measure G3358 of the rule G2583 which G3739 God G2316 hath distributed G3307 to us, G2254 a measure G3358 to reach G2185 even G2532 unto G891 you. G5216

14 For G1063 we stretch G5239 not G3756 ourselves G1438 beyond G5239 our measure, as G5613 though we reached G2185 not G3361 unto G1519 you: G5209 for G1063 we are come G5348 as far as G891 to you G5216 also G2532 in G1722 preaching the gospel G2098 of Christ: G5547

15 Not G3756 boasting G2744 of things without G1519 our measure, G280 that is, of G1722 other men's G245 labours; G2873 but G1161 having G2192 hope, G1680 when your G5216 faith G4102 is increased, G837 that we shall be enlarged G3170 by G1722 you G5213 according G2596 to our G2257 rule G2583 abundantly, G1519 G4050

16 To preach the gospel G2097 in G1519 the regions beyond G5238 you, G5216 and not G3756 to boast G2744 in G1722 another man's G245 line G2583 of G1519 things made ready to our hand. G2092

17 But G1161 he that glorieth, G2744 let him glory G2744 in G1722 the Lord. G2962

18 For G1063 not G3756 he G1565 that commendeth G4921 himself G1438 is G2076 approved, G1384 but G235 whom G3739 the Lord G2962 commendeth. G4921


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 American Standard (ASV)

1 Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

2 yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh

4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

7 Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ's, so also are we.

8 For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.

10 For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

11 Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such `are we' also in deed when we are present.

12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

13 But we will not glory beyond `our' measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.

14 For we stretch not ourselves overmuch, as though we reached not unto you: for we came even as far as unto you in the gospel of Christ:

15 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,

16 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.

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.


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And I, Paul, myself, do call upon you -- through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ -- who in presence, indeed `am' humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you,

2 and I beseech `you', that, being present, I may not have courage, with the confidence with which I reckon to be bold against certain reckoning us as walking according to the flesh;

3 for walking in the flesh, not according to the flesh do we war,

4 for the weapons of our warfare `are' not fleshly, but powerful to God for bringing down of strongholds,

5 reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ,

6 and being in readiness to avenge every disobedience, whenever your obedience may be fulfilled.

7 The things in presence do ye see? if any one hath trusted in himself to be Christ's, this let him reckon again from himself, that according as he is Christ's, so also we `are' Christ's;

8 for even if also anything more abundantly I shall boast concerning our authority, that the Lord gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I shall not be ashamed;

9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you through the letters,

10 `because the letters indeed -- saith one -- `are' weighty and strong, and the bodily presence weak, and the speech despicable.'

11 This one -- let him reckon thus: that such as we are in word, through letters, being absent, such also, being present, `we are' in deed.

12 For we do not make bold to rank or to compare ourselves with certain of those commending themselves, but they, among themselves measuring themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not wise,

13 and we in regard to the unmeasured things will not boast ourselves, but after the measure of the line that the God of measure did appoint to us -- to reach even unto you;

14 for not as not reaching to you do we stretch ourselves overmuch, for even unto you did we come in the good news of the Christ,

15 not boasting of the things not measured, in other men's labours, and having hope -- your faith increasing -- in you to be enlarged, according to our line -- into abundance,

16 in the `places' beyond you to proclaim good news, not in another's line in regard to the things made ready, to boast;

17 and he who is boasting -- in the Lord let him boast;

18 for not he who is commending himself is approved, but he whom the Lord doth commend.


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, [when present] [am] mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;

2 but I beseech that present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I think to be daring towards some who think of us as walking according to flesh.

3 For walking in flesh, we do not war according to flesh.

4 For the arms of our warfare [are] not fleshly, but powerful according to God to [the] overthrow of strongholds;

5 overthrowing reasonings and every high thing that lifts itself up against the knowledge of God, and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ;

6 and having in readiness to avenge all disobedience when your obedience shall have been fulfilled.

7 Do ye look at what concerns appearance? If any one has confidence in himself that he is of Christ, let him think this again in himself, that even as he [is] of Christ, so also [are] we.

8 For and if I should boast even somewhat more abundantly of our authority, which the Lord has given [to us] for building up and not for your overthrowing, I shall not be put to shame;

9 that I may not seem as if I was frightening you by letters:

10 because his letters, he says, [are] weighty and strong, but his presence in the body weak, and his speech naught.

11 Let such a one think this, that such as we are in word by letters [when] absent, such also present in deed.

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves; but these, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not intelligent.

13 Now *we* will not boast out of measure, but according to the measure of the rule which the God of measure has apportioned to us, to reach to you also.

14 For we do not, as not reaching to you, overstretch ourselves, (for we have come to you also in the glad tidings of the Christ;)

15 not boasting out of measure in other people's labours, but having hope, your faith increasing, to be enlarged amongst you, according to our rule, yet more abundantly

16 to announce the glad tidings to that [which is] beyond you, not to be boasting in another's rule of things made ready to hand.

17 But he that boasts, let him boast in the Lord.

18 For not *he* that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

2 Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh;

4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

7 Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's.

8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

9 that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.

10 For, "His letters," they say, "are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised."

11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

13 But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.

14 For we don't stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn't reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Gospel of Christ,

15 not boasting beyond proper limits in other men's labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,

16 so as to preach the Gospel even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.

17 But "he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."

18 For it isn't he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.


2 Corinthians 10:1-18 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Now I, Paul, myself make request to you by the quiet and gentle behaviour of Christ, I who am poor in spirit when with you, but who say what is in my mind to you without fear when I am away from you:

2 Yes, I make my request to you, so that when I am with you I may not have to make use of the authority which may be needed against some to whom we seem to be walking after the flesh.

3 For though we may be living in the flesh, we are not fighting after the way of the flesh

4 (For the arms with which we are fighting are not those of the flesh, but are strong before God for the destruction of high places);

5 Putting an end to reasonings, and every high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of God, and causing every thought to come under the authority of Christ;

6 Being ready to give punishment to whatever is against his authority, after you have made it clear that you are completely under his control.

7 Give attention to the things which are before you. If any man seems to himself to be Christ's, let him keep in mind that we are as much Christ's as he is.

8 For though I might take pride in our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for your destruction), it will not be a cause of shame to me:

9 That I may not seem to have the desire of causing you fear by my letters.

10 For his letters, they say, have weight and are strong; but in body he is feeble, and his way of talking has little force.

11 Let those who say this keep in mind that, what we are in word by letters when we are away, so will we be in act when we are present.

12 For we will not make comparison of ourselves with some of those who say good things about themselves: but these, measuring themselves by themselves, and making comparison of themselves with themselves, are not wise.

13 We will not give glory to ourselves in over-great measure, but after the measure of the rule which God has given us, a measure which comes even to you.

14 For we have no need to make ourselves seem more than we are, as if our authority did not come as far as to you: for we came even as far as you with the good news of Christ:

15 Not taking credit to ourselves for what is not our business, that is, for the work of others; but having hope that, with the growth of your faith, we may get the credit for an increase which is the effect of our work,

16 So that we may be able to go on and take the good news to countries still farther away than you are, and not take credit for another man's work in making things ready to our hand.

17 But whoever has a desire for glory, let his glory be in the Lord.

18 For the Lord's approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself, but on the Lord's opinion of him.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 10

There was no place in which the apostle Paul met with more opposition from false apostles than at Corinth; he had many enemies there. Let not any of the ministers of Christ think it strange if they meet with perils, not only from enemies, but from false brethren; for blessed Paul himself did so. Though he was so blameless and inoffensive in all his carriage, so condescending and useful to all, yet there were those who bore him ill-will, who envied him, and did all they could to undermine him, and lesson his interest and reputation. Therefore he vindicates himself from their imputation, and arms the Corinthians against their insinuations. In this chapter the apostle, in a mild and humble manner, asserts the power of his preaching, and to punish offenders (v. 1-6). He then proceeds to reason the case with the Corinthians, asserting his relation to Christ, and his authority as an apostle of Christ (v. 7-11), and refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false teachers did, but according to the better rules he had fixed for himself (v. 12-18).

2Cr 10:1-6

Here we may observe,

  • I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given him to use severity.
    • 1. He addresses them in a very mild and humble manner: I Paul myself beseech you, v. 1. We find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the midst of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness, from the consideration of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and desires this great example may have the same influence on the Corinthians. Note, When we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be rough and severe towards any body, we should think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that appeared in him in the days of his flesh, in the design of his undertaking, and in all the acts of his grace towards poor souls. How humbly also does this great apostle speak of himself, as one in presence base among them! So his enemies spoke of him with contempt, and he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought meanly, and spoke scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself, and spoke humbly of himself. Note, We should be sensible of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us for them.
    • 2. He is desirous that no occasion may be given to use severity, v. 2. He beseeches them to give no occasion for him to be bold, or to exercise his authority against them in general, as he had resolved to do against some who unjustly charged him as walking according to the flesh, that is, regulating his conduct, even in his ministerial actions, according to carnal policy or with worldly views. This was what the apostle had renounced, and this is contrary to the spirit and design of the gospel, and was far from being the aim and design of the apostle. Hereupon,
  • II. He asserts the power of his preaching and his power to punish offenders.
    • 1. The power of his preaching, v. 3, 5. Here observe,
      • (1.) The work of the ministry is a warfare, not after the flesh indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies and for spiritual purposes. And though ministers walk in the flesh, or live in the body, and in the common affairs of life act as other men, yet in their work and warfare they must not go by the maxims of the flesh, nor should they design to please the flesh: this must be crucified with its affections and lusts; it must be mortified and kept under.
      • (2.) The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of the church are the weapons of this warfare; and these are not carnal: outward force, therefore, is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. A good argument this is against persecution for conscience' sake: conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force of arms. And so the weapons of our warfare are mighty, or very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing and cogent. This indeed is through God, or owing to him, because they are his institutions, and accompanied with his blessing, which makes all opposition to fall before his victorious gospel. We may here observe,
        • [1.] What opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men. Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts, are Satan's strong-holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations, carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others, exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, that is, by these ways the devil endeavours to keep men from faith and obedience to the gospel, and secures his possession of the hearts of men, as his own house or property. But then observe,
        • [2.] The conquest which the word of God gains. These strong-holds are pulled down by the gospel as the means, through the grace and power of God accompanying it as the principal efficient cause. Note, The conversion of the soul is the conquest of Satan in that soul.
    • 2. The apostle's power to punish offenders (and that in an extraordinary manner) is asserted in v. 6. The apostle was a prime-minister in the kingdom of Christ, and chief officer in his army, and had in readiness (that is, he had power and authority at hand) to revenge all disobedience, or to punish offenders in a most exemplary and extraordinary manner. The apostle speaks not of personal revenge, but of punishing disobedience to the gospel, and disorderly walking among church-members, by inflicting church-censures. Note, Though the apostle showed meekness and gentleness, yet he would not betray his authority; and therefore intimates that when he would commend those whose obedience was fulfilled or manifested others would fall under severe censures.

2Cr 10:7-11

In these verses the apostle proceeds to reason the case with the Corinthians, in opposition to those who despised him, judged him, and spoke hardly of him: "Do you,' says he, "look on things after the outward appearance? v. 7. Is this a fit measure or rule to make an estimate of things or persons by, and to judge between me and my adversaries?' In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despicable with some; he did not make a figure, as perhaps some of his competitors might do: but this was a false rule to make a judgment by. It should seem that some boasted mighty things of themselves, and made a fair show. But there are often false appearances. A man may seem to be learned who has not learned Christ, and appear virtuous when he has not a principle of grace in his heart. However, the apostle asserts two things of himself:-

  • I. His relation to Christ: If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's, v. 7. It would seem by this that Paul's adversaries boasted of their relation to Christ as his ministers and servants. Now the apostle reasons thus with the Corinthians: "Suppose it to be so, allowing what they say to be true (and let us observe that, in fair arguing, we should allow all that may be reasonably granted, and should not think it impossible but those who differ from us very much may yet belong to Christ, as well as we), allowing them,' might the apostle say, "what they boast of, yet they ought also to allow this to us, that we also are Christ's.' Note,
    • 1. We must not, by the most charitable allowances we make to others who differ from us, cut ourselves off from Christ, nor deny our relation to him. For,
    • 2. There is room in Christ for many; and those who differ much from one another may yet be one in him. It would help to heal the differences that are among us if we would remember that, how confident soever we may be that we belong to Christ, yet, at the same time, we must allow that those who differ from us may belong to Christ too, and therefore should be treated accordingly. We must not think that we are the people, and that none belong to Christ but ourselves. This we may plead for ourselves, against those who judge us and despise us that, how weak soever we are, yet, as they are Christ's, so are we: we profess the same faith, we walk by the same rule, we build upon the same foundation, and hope for the same inheritance.
  • II. His authority from Christ as an apostle. This he had mentioned before (v. 6), and now he tells them that he might speak of it again, and that with some sort of boasting, seeing it was a truth, that the Lord had given it to him, and it was more than his adversaries could justly pretend to. It was certainly what he should not be ashamed of, v. 8. Concerning this observe,
    • 1. The nature of his authority: it was for edification, and not for destruction. This indeed is the end of all authority, civil and ecclesiastical, and was the end of that extraordinary authority which the apostles had, and of all church-discipline.
    • 2. The caution with which he speaks of his authority, professing that his design was not to terrify them with big words, nor by angry letters, v. 9. Thus he seems to obviate an objection that might have been formed against him, v. 10. But the apostle declares he did not intend to frighten those who were obedient, nor did he write any thing in his letters that he was not able to make good by deeds against the disobedient; and he would have his adversaries know this (v. 11), that he would, by the exercise of his apostolical power committed to him, make it appear to have a real efficacy.

2Cr 10:12-18

In these verses observe,

  • I. The apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false apostles did, v. 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, v. 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, v. 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, v. 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, v. 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, v. 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.