2 Corinthians 1:14 Meaning: Our Mutual Boasting in the Day of Christ
as also you acknowledged us in part—that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
according as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that your glory we are, even as also ye are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus;
even as also ye have recognised us in part, that we are your boast, even as ye [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul and the Corinthians boasted in each other. But is that really okay? Discover the joyful hope that will last until the day of Christ.
Context
Paul is defending his ministry to the Corinthian church. Some people there have questioned his honesty and his authority. In the opening of this letter, he insists that he and his coworkers have acted with sincerity and grace. He reminds the Corinthians that they have already recognized this, at least some of them have. Even so, Paul does not pull back from closeness. He calls them his “boasting” and says they will be mutual pride in each other when the Lord Jesus returns. The verse sits right in the middle of Paul’s effort to rebuild trust, and it points forward to the day when every division will be resolved.
Key Words
Three words open up this verse. The first is acknowledged (epiginōskō). It means more than a casual nod. It carries the sense of knowing someone thoroughly, recognizing their true character. Paul does not expect perfect understanding now, only “in part”, but he believes the Corinthians have seen enough of his heart to trust him.
The phrase in part (apo merous) is where the honesty comes in. Some commentators read it as “some of you,” not all. Others take it as “partially,” because Paul’s whole life has not yet been lived out before them. Either way, Paul does not pretend the relationship is flawless. He names the gap while still claiming the bond.
The key word is boasting (kauchēma), the ground of one’s glorying, the thing you point to with joy. This is not empty pride. It is the happiness that comes from seeing God’s work in another person. Paul says the Corinthians are that for him, and he hopes to be that for them. The only reason this mutual pride works is that both sides belong to Christ.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree on the main shape of this verse, though they emphasize different edges. Wesley and Matthew Henry see it as a sweet exchange: the apostle rejoices in his converts, and they in him, all because of grace. Calvin warns that this glorying must rest in God alone, Paul’s boast is that he faithfully served Christ.
On the phrase “in part,” there is a gentle difference. Some older commentators, such as Clarke and Barnes, take it to mean “only a portion of the church” acknowledged Paul, while others, like the Cambridge Bible, read it as partial understanding that will become complete at the end. Both views agree that Paul remains hopeful: the day of Christ will bring full recognition and shared joy.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think any form of boasting is wrong, so they struggle with this verse. In fact, the Greek word kauchēma doesn’t mean arrogant bragging. It means something you take legitimate joy in, a reason to be glad. Paul is not puffing himself up. He is saying the Corinthians are a sign of God’s grace, and that calls for honest happiness. The only safe boasting is boasting in what the Lord has done.
Living This Out
This week, think of one person whose faith has helped you keep going. Maybe a friend who prayed for you, a teacher who opened the Scriptures, a family member who stayed steady. Consider telling them, plainly: “I’m glad God put you in my life. I will be happy on that day to have walked with you.” That kind of honest, mutual joy is what Paul describes. It is not pride. It is grateful recognition of something God has built.
Main takeaway: One day, all who belong to Christ will rejoice in each other’s salvation, and that joy will never fade.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul was happy about the people who loved Jesus in Corinth. He said, “You make me glad, and I make you glad.” One day Jesus will come back, and then we will all be glad together forever.
For ages 9, 12
Paul had some problems with the church in Corinth. Not everyone understood him. Still, he called them his “boasting”, his reason to be happy. He knew that even though things were not perfect now, when Jesus returns they would share a full, honest joy. Who is one person you are glad to know because of Jesus? Maybe tell them this week.
Questions People Ask
What does 'in part' mean in 2 Corinthians 1:14?
Paul uses the Greek phrase 'apo merous,' which can mean 'some of you' or 'partially.' The church at Corinth was divided. Only part of them fully accepted Paul's authority as an apostle. Paul is honest about that. He does not pretend everyone agrees, but he still affirms the bond he shares with those who do trust him.
Is it okay for Christians to boast?
It depends on the kind of boasting. The Greek word here, 'kauchēma,' means a reason to be glad, not arrogant pride. Paul boasts in the Corinthians because he sees God's grace in them. That is not self-promotion. It is gratitude. Christians can safely boast in what the Lord has done through other people.
What is 'the day of our Lord Jesus'?
Paul refers to the future return of Christ, when Jesus will come to gather His people and judge the world. This is a day of vindication and joy for believers. Paul says that on that day, the mutual joy between him and the Corinthians will be fully realized. Whatever is partial now will become complete then.
How can Paul say the Corinthians are his 'boasting'?
Paul means they are a living proof of God's work through his ministry. He does not take credit for their faith. But he rejoices that God used him to bring them to Christ. In the same way, the Corinthians can boast in having Paul as their faithful teacher. Both sides point to God's grace, not human achievement.
Does this verse mean we should seek praise from others?
No. Paul is not asking for flattery. He is describing a relationship rooted in shared faith. The mutual joy he speaks of comes from seeing Christ in each other. It is natural to feel thankful for people who have helped you grow spiritually. The goal is not to collect praise, but to recognize God's work and give thanks.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study