Why was Paul's ministry in virgin territory rather than where the Twelve had labored?
Paul's ministry occupied virgin territory because the Twelve's ministry was confined to the nation of Israel within its borders. He was not an extension of their work or building on other men's labors, so his gospel of grace went to regions the Twelve had not reached.
Les explains that Paul was not boasting beyond his measure or of other men's labors. Paul was not an extension of what the Twelve had accomplished and was not building on what they had done. Instead, Paul was out in virgin territory because the Twelve's ministry was confined to the nation of Israel, within the borders. This connects with the broader contrast Les teaches between the gospel of the Kingdom, which Jesus and the Twelve proclaimed to Israel, and the gospel of grace, the gospel of Christ, which Paul calls "my gospel."
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,
More Questions
Did Paul build his ministry on the work the Twelve had already done?
Paul says he is not an extension of what the Twelve accomplished and is not building on what they have done.
Did Paul build on the Twelve's ministry or accomplishments?
Paul says he is not an extension of what the Twelve have accomplished and is not building on what they have done.