Ministry within God Give Limits

  But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. (2 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

I was reading from 2 Corinthians this morning and came across this verse within Pauls defense of his apostolic ministry.  He is making the point that God assigns people and gives them the authority to work with or within a given group of people (v. 8).  That word 'assign' literally means to divide so as to divide things up or separate into parts.  So Paul is telling us that God has divided up his work among people whom he calls to a work and gives them the authority to build up that group.  The evidence of this is the fruit of their labors among that group (v. 14-15).  This is important and significant because as the gospel is sown and grows it lays the foundation for future ministry and work (v. 16).  When the gospel is distorted and there is resistance to Gods appointed leadership, gospel work is handicapped.