12^* Not that we dare to class or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.^h 13But we will not boast beyond measure but will keep to the limits^* God has apportioned us, namely, to reach even to you. 14For we are not overreaching ourselves, as though we did not reach you; we indeed first came to you with the gospel of Christ. 15We are not boasting beyond measure, in other people’s labors; yet our hope is that, as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, within our proper limits, 16so that we may preach the gospel even beyond you, not boasting of work already done in another’s sphere.ⁱ 17^j “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”^* 18For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved,^* but the one whom the Lord recommends.^k