2 Corinthians 10:12-18 - Paul's Reason For Bragging

¹² For we do not dare to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. ¹³ But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has apportioned to us, a field that reaches even to you. ¹⁴ For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you; we were the first to come even as far as you with the gospel of Christ. ¹⁵ We do not go beyond limits by boasting in other men's labors, but our hope is that as your faith grows, our sphere among you may be greatly enlarged, ¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast of work already done in another man's territory. ¹⁷ But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." ¹⁸ For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.