These words express the Apostle Paul's fervent desire for the spiritual enlargement of the Corinthian brethren. In his ministry to these brethren Paul had withheld nothing, as the former verses in this chapter show. He was willing to spend and be spent if it would be instrumental to their spiritual growth and stability. He says, “O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.”

What Is Enlargement?

Enlargement is a broadening or widening out of one’s spiritual life, service, and usefulness.
Spiritual enlargement occurs as we live unto him which died for us. It involves being spiritually intelligent of our purpose and self-sacrificing in our actions. A spiritually enlarged person recognizes all belongs to the Lord; his time, his energy, his talents. He cheerfully casts all into the Lord's service. Spiritual enlargement requires a complete commitment to Christ, for no man can effectively serve two masters. Spiritual enlargement co-exists with spiritual liberty--and consequently cannot/does not co-exist with the spiritual bondage of carnal selfishness and self-seeking.

What Is Straitness?

Paul tells the Corinthians that they are straitened. Straitness is the opposite of enlargement. A spiritually straitened person is restricted and cramped in his ministry, his service, and his usefulness. He is distracted from his purpose and has not fully set his affections above and upon Christ. A spiritually straitened person is “hemmed in” from enlargement by his faulty affections which are set upon carnal objects and persons. These objects and persons have diverted his attention from his calling and purpose, resulting in misplaced priorities and goals. Consequently, his service to God is greatly reduced and restricted to a narrow and limited degree. He is spiritually small, his service small, and his usefulness small.

“Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.” verse 12
In these words Paul addresses the underlying cause and source of the spiritual distress of these brethren; spiritual smallness (straitness). The effects of being spiritually straitened is evident from the numerous doctrinal and practical errors among these brethren. Today, when we fail to heed gospel instruction, its unlikely we will fare any better.

We learn from Paul’s use of metaphors.
The word bowels is used metaphorically for the inner working of their wants, desires, and inward affections. The bowels (intestines) are closely connected and form a part of the digestive system. It's a well known fact that a person’s diet plays a significant role in their health. An appetite for the wrong types of food will soon become evident by adversely effecting one's health. Likewise, a lusty appetite for worldly objects, worldly pursuits, and carnal friends, will have an adverse effect on the spiritual health of that person.

The Corinthian brethren were spiritually constipated.
This spiritual health problem arose from over indulgence of the wrong things. As a result, their spiritual life was reduced and constricted. Paul made it clear (v.12) that the source of their problem was not him but within themselves. Could we suffer from the same ailment as these brethren?
“Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.” verse 12
He then adds:

“Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.” verse 13
In this verse, Paul alerts them of the need for spiritual improvement and enlargement in their life. They need not continue spiritually hemmed in. Rather (says he), there is a great recompense (reward) awaiting them in spiritual enlargement. However, for spiritual enlargement to occur, an accurate perspective of their purpose must be joined with the resolve to make the necessary changes in their life. The dramatic turn about in Moses’ experience illustrates this needful lesson:

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

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