2 Corinthians 10:12-18

2 Corinthians 10:12-18

[12] For  we dare  not  ourselves of the number,  or  ourselves  with  some  that commend  themselves:  but  they  measuring  themselves  by  themselves,  and  themselves  among  themselves,  not  wise.  [13] But  boast  of things without  our measure,  but  according  to the measure  of the rule  which  God  hath distributed  a measure  to reach  even  unto  [14] For  not  ourselves  beyond  our measure, as  though we reached  not  unto  for  we are come  as far as  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,  faith  is increased,  that we shall be enlarged  by  according  rule  abundantly,  [16] To preach the gospel  in  the regions beyond  and not  to boast  in  another man's  line  of  things made ready to our hand.  [17] But  he that glorieth,  in  the Lord.  [18] For  not  he  that commendeth  himself  approved,  but  whom  the Lord  commendeth. 

What does 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul defended his right to preach the gospel in Corinth and denied his critics" claim that they had been responsible for what God had done through Paul there. He did this to vindicate his former actions and to prepare for future ministry in the regions beyond Corinth.
". . . Paul, responding to his opponents" characterization of him as inconsistent, and hence as a flatterer, and of the invidious comparisons of his opponents, attacks the whole convention of self-advertisement by means of a remarkably subtle and forceful parody of its methods." [1]
What Paul wrote in this section and the following ones helps us see that some opposition against Paul in Corinth came from Jewish Christians. These critics contested Paul"s special calling and his legitimate right to minister to Gentiles. Moreover in their unrestrained self-commendation they were claiming the credit for what God had done through Paul in Corinth.