2 Corinthians 10:14
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:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὡς
our measure as
G5613
ὡς
our measure as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἑαυτούς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτούς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
9 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐφθάσαμεν
we are come
G5348
ἐφθάσαμεν
we are come
Strong's:
G5348
Word #:
14 of 19
to be beforehand, i.e., anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.1 Corinthians 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.1 Timothy 1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Historical Context
Paul spent 18 months in Corinth (Acts 18:11), establishing the church from nothing. His opponents were intruders who "entered into other men's labors" (John 4:38)—claiming authority in a church they didn't plant. Paul's pioneering work gave him unique apostolic rights and responsibilities toward the Corinthian congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's insistence that he personally 'reached' Corinth with the gospel challenge leaders who claim authority without doing the hard work of evangelism and discipleship?
- What does it mean to minister 'in the gospel of Christ' rather than in human wisdom, personal charisma, or organizational structures?
- When have you witnessed leaders overreaching beyond their legitimate sphere of authority, and what damage resulted?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you (οὐ γὰρ ὡς μὴ ἐφικνούμενοι εἰς ὑμᾶς ὑπερεκτείνομεν ἑαυτούς)—Hyperekteinomen (ὑπερεκτείνομεν, "overextend/stretch beyond") refutes the charge of overreaching. Paul didn't invade someone else's mission field—he founded the Corinthian church, so ministering there is entirely legitimate. Ephiknoumenoi (ἐφικνούμενοι, "reaching/arriving") emphasizes actual presence and labor, not merely distant claims.
For we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ (ἄχρι γὰρ καὶ ὑμῶν ἐφθάσαμεν ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—Ephthasamen (ἐφθάσαμεν, "we arrived/came") is aorist, emphasizing completed action: Paul personally brought the gospel to Corinth (Acts 18:1-18). En tō euangeliō (ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, "in the gospel") specifies the content and authority of his ministry. Paul's legitimacy rests on being Christ's appointed apostle who personally evangelized Corinth.