John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 10:13

"But we will not glory beyond [our] measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you." — 2 Corinthians 10:13 (ASV)

But we will not boast beyond our measure. He now contrasts his own moderation with the folly of the false apostles and, at the same time, shows what is the true measure of glorying — when we keep within the limits that have been marked out for us by the Lord. “Has the Lord given me such a thing? I will be satisfied with this measure. I will neither desire nor claim for myself anything more.”

This he calls the measure of his rule. For everyone’s rule, according to which he should regulate himself, is this — God’s gift and calling. At the same time, it is not permissible for us to glory in God’s gift and calling on our own account, but only insofar as it is beneficial for the glory of Him who is so generous to us for this purpose — so that we may acknowledge ourselves indebted to Him for everything.

A measure to reach. By this clause he intimates that he does not need verbal commendations among the Corinthians, who were a part of his glory, as he says elsewhere (Philippians 4:1), you are my crown. However, he continues the form of expression which he had previously begun. “I have,” he says, “a most ample field for glorying, without going beyond my own limits, and you are one department of that field.”

He modestly reproves, however, their ingratitude for, in a way, overlooking his apostleship, which ought to have been especially esteemed among them on the basis of God’s commendation of it. In each clause, too, we must understand an implied contrast between him and the false apostles, who had no such approval to show.