How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #4
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of [the other apostles]—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (NRSV 1 Corinthians 15:10)
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (KJV 1 Corinthians 15:10)
Yup, Paul is the hardest working apostle out there… but also the most humble. He's careful to qualify his praise of himself. It wasn't his hard work; it was God working through him. Bragging about yourself is a no-no. But, bragging about God? Totally okay.
Quote #5
I often boast about you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with consolation; I am overjoyed in all our affliction. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 7:4)
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. (KJV 2 Corinthians 7:4)
Yet another thing it is okay to boast about—other Christians. Paul is rather the proud papa when it comes to his little flock in Corinth. Check out our "Symbols" section for more on Paul as a dad.
Quote #6
We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else's sphere of action. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 10:15-18)
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 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. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (KJV 2 Corinthians 10:15-18)
This one is a stab against the false apostles. They've been walking around in Corinth, claiming Paul's good work as their own. The horror! Of course, Paul and company would never do anything like this.