Paul explains that, even as an apostle, his authority has limits. The word that Peter coined for this is allotriepiskopos, translated as "busybody" or "meddler" (see I Peter 4:15). Episkopos is "overseer," one having authority. He is referring to an overseer who has stepped outside the bounds of his authority and meddles in areas he has not been given responsibility for.

As Paul writes here, even an apostle has a sphere, meaning simply "an area over which a person has responsibility." In this case, Paul seems to have been thinking primarily of a geographical area over which he had been given specific authority. One could also say it was limited to particular ethnic groups since Paul had been appointed to preach to the Gentiles.

In the division of responsibilities in the places where the apostles preached, Paul had been given a particular sphere of influence, responsibility, or authority. He assures the Corinthians that he would not encroach into someone else's—Peter's or John's or any other's—area of responsibility.

So, Paul is saying that it would not be wise to move beyond what he had been given; he would not do that. Why should he boast or glory in something that is another person's responsibility? He would go specifically to those people to whom God had told him to go.

Notice in verse 13 that Paul says God had "appointed us" (meaning the apostles) and given them certain "limits." This proviso is crucial. In the church, especially concerning its ministry, God's servants have been set apart for a specific responsibility. It is essential that a minister not go beyond that specific calling and appointment.

We should not limit this appointment of responsibility just to apostles, ministers, the church, or matters concerning the church. Why? Because God has given us all a sphere of influence, responsibility, and authority. Each one has limits.

If we are a father, we have specific responsibilities, authority, and limits that correspond with that role. The same for mothers. The same for children. The same for elders and deacons in the church. The same for employers and employees.

We find that God says in Romans 13 that He has appointed governmental leaders to their areas of responsibility. The implication is that He can take them down at will if they step outside the responsibility He has given them.

We should be careful not to limit this idea of a sphere of responsibility to the church. It includes aspects of our lives far beyond what we might consider normal church activities. God has given us all spheres of responsibility that we must stay within and not stray beyond.