Click to join the conversation with over 500,000 Pentecostal believers and scholars
| PentecostalTheology.com
2 Corinthians 10:13-15 NASB
“But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,”
In verse 15, Paul says that the “measure” is man’s labor, so is he saying that he won’t boast beyond what he has accomplished in terms of gospel outreach? I’m still confused by what “measure” is specifically referring to, and I’m not sure how these few verses tie in with verses 17 and 18.
Anonymous-link
Paul and his coworkers had a sphere of apostolic influence and leadership that extended to the territories and/or people where they had introduced the Gospel.
Philip J.
1. Paul’s Apostolic Authority Was Universal, Not Geographic
Paul identifies himself as “an apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), not just to those he personally evangelized. This suggests a broader, trans-local apostolic mission to Gentiles generally, not restricted by geography or personal conversion record.
2. Paul’s Letters Address Churches He Did Not Found
Paul wrote to the church in Rome (Romans 1:13) which he did not establish. Yet, he speaks with full apostolic authority, planning to visit them and impart “some spiritual gift” (Romans 1:11), showing he did not limit his leadership only to churches he founded.
3. Apostolic Ministry Includes Correction Beyond Local Converts
In 2 Corinthians 10:13–16, Paul affirms a “measure of rule” assigned by God, but does not say it’s restricted only to converts through his ministry. Rather, he uses it to confront problems in Corinth—a church he founded—but the principle of correction applies across all churches in doctrinal or moral error.
4. Paul Mediated Doctrinal Disputes Across the Church
Acts 15 shows Paul and Barnabas participating in the Jerusalem Council, helping to determine doctrinal policy for all Gentile churches, not just their own converts. This shows shared apostolic authority on issues beyond local origin.
5. Timothy and Titus Led Churches Paul Did Not Personally Plant
Paul entrusted Timothy (Ephesus) and Titus (Crete) with significant apostolic authority, even though these churches were not necessarily established by Paul himself. Their leadership roles demonstrate that apostolic influence could be delegated and extended beyond original planting.
6. The Body of Christ Is Interconnected and Not Siloed
Paul taught that the Church is one Body (Ephesians 4:4-6), and apostles were given “for the equipping of the saints” (Ephesians 4:11–13), regardless of who planted which church. Apostolic authority was not about territory but about truth and unity.
7. Apostolic Leadership Was Spirit-Led, Not Self-Limited
Paul’s movements were led by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6–10), not by human strategy or limitations. If the Spirit led Paul to minister in areas or to people not previously evangelized by him, his apostolic calling would follow.