2 Corinthians 10 14

2 Corinthians 10:14 kjv

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:

2 Corinthians 10:14 nkjv

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;

2 Corinthians 10:14 niv

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 with the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:14 esv

For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:14 nlt

We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 14 Meaning

The verse means that Paul and his associates did not overstep their God-given authority by reaching into Corinth to extend the Gospel. Their expansion was in Christ, a measure calibrated by God's own limits.

2 Corinthians 10 14 Context

In Second Corinthians chapter 10, Paul is addressing opponents in Corinth who were questioning his apostolic authority and legitimacy. He contrasts his ministry with that of these "super-apostles" who used different methods and boasted in worldly ways. This specific verse follows Paul's assertion that their boasting is in God and within the proper limits set by God. He explains that their authority in Christ is not to extend beyond the bounds God has set for them in spreading the Gospel, but rather within those bounds, their authority is for their building up, not their destruction.

2 Corinthians 10 14 Word Analysis

• "For": Introduces a reason or explanation for the previous statement.
• "we": Refers to Paul and his co-workers in ministry.
• "will not": Expresses a strong negative intention or prohibition.
• "stretch" / "extend" (hyperepekteino - ὑπερεπεκτείνω): A Greek word that means to overextend, to stretch beyond a proper limit.
• "ourselves": Emphasizes that this is their own action or boasting.
• "beyond": Indicates a limit or boundary.
• "measure" (metron - μέτρον): A standard or unit of measurement, implying a divinely appointed limit.
• "with": Indicates accompaniment or means.
• "ropes" / "lines" (kánōn - κανών): Refers to a measuring line or rule, a boundary line established by God.
• "in which": Connects the divine measure to their legitimate sphere of work.
• "we": Again, Paul and his team.
• "were stretched" / "reached" (epekteínō - ἐπεκτείνομαι): To stretch out, to reach or extend to. The passive voice indicates that they were brought or directed to this point by God.
• "even to you": Specifically referring to the believers in Corinth.

Word Group Analysis:

• "stretch ourselves beyond measure" (hyperepekteino heautous - ὑπερεκτείνομαι ἑαυτοὺς): This phrase highlights the danger of arrogant or unauthorized expansion of one's spiritual influence or claims, contrasting with God-given authority.
• "according to the measure of the rule which God has distributed to us" (kata kanóna - κατὰ κανόνα): This emphasizes that their mission and authority are not self-defined but divinely appointed and measured by God.

2 Corinthians 10 14 Bonus Section

The term "kánōn" (κανών) is significant. It can refer to a measuring rod or a standard. In a spiritual context, it speaks of the standard of truth and the divinely ordained boundaries of service. The "measure" and the "rule" together speak of a divinely allotted portion of work. This was not a limitation on the power of the Gospel, but on the sphere of the apostles' specific commission. The expansion of the Gospel into new territories was to be done within God's sovereign timing and ordering. The emphasis is on obedience to God's commission, not on unauthorized reach.

2 Corinthians 10 14 Commentary

Paul asserts that their ministry and reach are not based on unauthorized ambition, but on divine appointment and calibration. The boundaries of their work were established by God Himself. Their expansion of the Gospel was within these divinely set limits, a measure that aligns with God’s plan. The Corinthian believers were legitimately within the sphere of ministry that God had assigned to Paul and his companions. This guards against the self-aggrandizement of false apostles who might claim authority beyond what God had given them.

Practical Application:

• Believers should be content with the sphere of influence God has granted them.
• Ministry should be characterized by humility and submission to God's sovereign plan.
• Authentic spiritual leadership operates within divine boundaries, building up, not tearing down.