2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 10
Paul’s Apostolic Authority. 2 Cor. 10, 1–18
Paul appeals to the work actually done by him as apostle: V.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. V.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.
The outstanding feature of Paul’s ministry was that, unlike his arrogant opponents, he had confined himself to the work with which he had been charged and had not meddled in the affairs of others. With a fine display of irony he writes: For we do not venture to assume the same dignity, to number ourselves or compare ourselves with certain ones that commend themselves.
He simply does not possess the courage to class himself with the people that are so highly satisfied and well pleased with themselves: his timidity would not permit him to place himself in the same line, on the same level.
But he immediately points out the foolishness of his enemies’ position: But they, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves with themselves, are not wise.
The weakness of their position is shown by the fact that they have no standard by which to measure their accomplishments in a proper manner; they know no measure but their own opinion, and therefore their smug self-satisfaction is bound to reach a false judgment. So Paul leaves them in the folly of their self-adulation; any effort in their behalf seems wasted from the outset.
In sharp contrast he says of himself: But we shall not boast beyond measure or without the application of a proper standard, but according to the measure of the rule which God has apportioned to us for a measure, to reach even to you.
Unlike his opponents, who had no standard, no criterion, to guide them but their own self-satisfaction, which prevented their obtaining a proper judgment of things, Paul had a definite rule and sphere of activity, by and in which he could gauge his performances in his ministry. He had a sphere of influence, an official duty, assigned to him by God A certain territory had been apportioned to him to labor in, and for the work performed in this sphere he did not look for praise based upon imaginary excellence, but such as was given according to the standard set by the Lord.
It was thus, by that arrangement of God, that Paul’s measure extended even to Corinth, at that time the extreme western limit of Paul’s preaching. Thus he was not building upon another man’s foundation, Romans 15, 20, he was not expecting praise for work which he had not performed himself, 1 Corinthians 3, 10. And so far as Corinth was concerned, the Lord Himself had confirmed him for the ministerial work in that city in a very unusual manner, Acts 18, 9. 10.