2 Corinthians 10:15

Not boasting. See on v. 8.

Without our measure. See on v. 13. Paul’s guiding principle had ever been to plant the gospel in virgin soil, to do pioneer work (Rom. 15:20), and for this reason he ran no risk of boasting of other men’s labors.

Your faith. The improved spiritual condition of the Corinthian believers gave Paul reason to believe that the church in that city would soon become a bastion of the faith, and a salient from which further triumphs of the gospel might be achieved. The maturity of their faith would make possible the extension of his labors in fields beyond. Thus far, he had been hindered, in part by the difficult situation at Corinth, from pressing on into new territory. There is every reason to believe that his expressed hope to open up new areas to the gospel were fulfilled (cf. Rom. 15:22-28). Also, as their faith grew, Paul’s own reputation as an apostle would be magnified. Their spiritual maturity as Christians would be to him a crown of glory, as a teacher is honored by the accomplishments of his students (see on 2 Cor. 3:1-3). One evidence of maturity in a church is that it no longer needs the nursing required by spiritual babes (1 Cor. 3:1-3). Unfortunately, today, as in apostolic times, some churches restrict the work of their pastor by continually requiring his attention for services of which spiritually mature people feel no need. An unspiritual church will not long sustain healthy mission work.

Enlarged by you. Paul sought to inspire with missionary zeal the churches he founded. He entered his own work in the great cities, moving from one to another, and leaving to each strategically located church the responsibility for evangelizing the district in which it was located. This method of evangelism proved most effective, for many of the large central churches founded and mothered other churches within their respective districts. The church of Laodicea, for example, is said to have founded 16 other churches in its immediate vicinity. It is the privilege of every church to send its members forth for Christ.