Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:16
so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to clarify his missionary boundary of expanding into unreached areas rather than claiming credit for others' foundational work. He formulates this during a defense of his apostolic authority against competing teachers who were measuring their success by established territories.
The words — The Greek term ὑπερέκεινα (huperekeina) literally means "beyond" and marks the geographical limit of Paul's evangelistic mandate. The verb εὐαγγελίσασθαι (euangelisasthai) denotes "to proclaim good news," indicating a forward movement into new regions rather than tending existing ones.
The thread — This forward-moving strategy appears in Acts 19:21, where Paul resolves to pass through Macedonia and Achaia, and in Romans 15:24, where he plans to travel through Corinth on his route to Spain.
Why it lands — The text states that apostolic work must extend past already-planted fields to avoid boasting in another man's labor. It requires readers to direct their efforts toward new territory rather than claiming credit for foundational work they did not perform.
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
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
Cross-references
- Romans 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
- Acts 19:21 After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”