To preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you
Here the apostle clearly expresses what he hoped for, and explains what he meant by being enlarged according to rule; namely, that he should be at liberty to preach the Gospel elsewhere; and hoped he should be directed by the providence of God, to carry it into the more remote and distant parts of the world, where as yet Christ had not been named:
and not to boast in another man's line:
or enter into another man's province, glory in other men's labours, as did the false apostles: and boast
of things made ready to our hand;
that is, of places cultivated and improved, by the preaching of the Gospel, so as to bring forth fruit to the honour and glory of God; where many souls were already converted, and churches were planted and put into good order, and were in a flourishing condition; see ( Romans 15:18-21 ) .