1818 Feb. 13

Not Paul

I Argument

Ch. Paul’s Character

8

Boasting

II. Cor. VII 2. 3. 2. Receive us: we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man,

we have defrauded no man.

3. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our

hearts, to die and live with you.

II. Cor. X. 8 to 18. 8. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority,

which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should

not be ashamed:

9. That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is

weak, and his speech contemptible.

11. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are

absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

12. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some

that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing

themselves among themselves are not wise.

13. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the

measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto

you―

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:

15. Not boasting of things without our measure, that is of other men’s labours; but

having hope, when you faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you, according

to our rule abundantly,

16. 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―

17. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18. For not he that commendeth

himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.