2 Corinthians 10:15-16 (ESV Strong's)
We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.
Tag: Grace Begets Grace
Paul, in this chapter of his letter to the church at Corinth, is attempting to encourage the community of believers in Corinth to participate in the ministry he was given by Christ. There were some in the Corinth church that were attempting to usurp Paul’s Apostolic authority. Paul was attempting to gather financial support to extend and expand his ministry. The other “teachers” within the church were attempting to prevent Paul’s influence. This was their ego and envy vs Paul’s commission from Christ himself. Paul’s point in the above passage is that their obedience in the area of “giving” would show both their growth in faith and extend Paul’s area of influence to bring others to Christ. Paul was fully and completely sold to spreading the Gospel message and not about power. This “teaching” group in the church attempted to discourage the church from giving to Paul (if they gave to Paul they could not give money to these other “teachers”). Paul wants them to know that God has given him this authority and influence, but he is ONLY using it to further the Gospel, not to further his own power. That is the difference between ministers who are sold out to the Gospel and those who are sold out to their own personalities. God can use those with Paul’s approach. Those who oppose the Pauline approach for their own persona fail the church and hinder the progress. Paul is telling them that IF they act in faith, through grace, God will use that to extend grace into the lives of others. Our response to giving can be used to expand God’s grace to others. Grace begets grace.
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