Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:14
We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to defend his apostolic conduct against critics who questioned his legitimacy and physical presence among them.
The words — ὑπερεκτείνομεν (huperekteinomen) means "we overstep bounds," while ὡς (hōs) "as" grammatically modifies the participle ἐφικνούμενοι (ephiknoumenoi) "reaching," forming the denial that Paul neglected the Corinthian audience.
The thread — The passage connects to Paul's foundational ministry in Corinth noted in 1 Corinthians 4:15, his declaration of the gospel as God's power in Romans 1:16, and his entrusted commission in 1 Timothy 1:11.
Why it lands — The text states Paul's direct presence and priority in delivering the gospel to Corinth before addressing accusations of overstepping. It requires the reader to evaluate ministry claims against God-assigned boundaries rather than unearned credit.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
- 1 Timothy 1:11 that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
- Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Romans 2:16 on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
- Romans 15:18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,
- 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
- 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
- 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord?