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2 Corinthians 10:16

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
2 Corinthians 10:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13But 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.
14For 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:
15not 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,
16so 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.
17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
← 2 Corinthians 10:152 Corinthians 10:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you, etc..] Here the apostle clearly expresses what he hoped for, and explains what he meant by being enlarged according to rule; namely, that he should be at liberty to preach the Gospel elsewhere; and hoped he should be directed by the providence of God, to carry it into the more remote and distant parts of the world, where as yet Christ had not been named: and not to boast in another man's line: or enter into another man's province, glory in other men's labours, as did the false apostles: and boast of things made ready to our hand; that is, of places cultivated and improved, by the preaching of the Gospel, so as to bring forth fruit to the honour…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To--that is, so as to preach . . . beyond you (and) not to boast, &c. in another man's line of things made ready to our hand--Do not connect "line of things," &c.; but "boast of things," &c. To make this clearer, arrange the words thus, "Not to boast as to things (already made by the preaching of others) ready to our hand in another man's line (that is, within the line, or sphere of labor, apportioned by God to another)."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you - What regions are referred to here can be only a matter of conjecture. It may be that he wished to preach in other parts of Greece, and that he designed to go to Arcadia or Lacedaemon. Rosenmuller supposes that as the Corinthians were engaged in commerce, the apostle hoped that by them some tidings of the gospel would reach the countries with which they were engaged in traffic. But I think it most probable that he alludes to Italy and Spain. It is certain that he had formed the design of visiting Spain Romans 15:24, Romans 15:28; and he doubtless wished the Corinthians to aid him in that purpose, and was anxious to do this as soon as the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In the regions beyond you - To the west and south, where the gospel had not yet been preached. Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 11”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“preach: Rom 15:24-28 line: or, rule, Co2 10:13 2 Corinthians 10:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification