For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure
They did not go beyond the bounds set them by the purpose and
providence of God, by going to Corinth; nor did they boast of
things without their measure, when they spoke of their labours,
and of the success of their ministrations among them; nor did
they assume and arrogate to themselves what did not belong to
them, when they claimed an authority over them, and a right of
exercising their apostolical office among them:
as though we reached not unto you;
by right, or according to the will of God, and the measuring line
and bounds he drew and fixed for them:
for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the
Gospel of
Christ.
The case is clear, it is a plain matter of fact, that they were
not only come to other places, where they had preached the
Gospel, and planted churches, but as far as to Corinth also,
where they came "in, by, or with the Gospel of Christ": not their
own, or what was of their own invention, but Christ's; of which
he is the author, minister, and subject; they did not come
without something with them; they came with the good news and
glad tidings of salvation by Christ; they came preaching the
Gospel, which was owned for the conversion of many souls, and for
the raising a very considerable church; all which was a full
proof that they were of right, and not by usurpation, come to
them; that they had not thrusted themselves in, where they had no
business, and consequently still retained a power over them.