9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.



Ver. 9. Wherefore we labour] Our hope of heaven maketh us active and abundant in God’s service. The doctrine of assurance is not a doctrine of liberty, but the contrary, 1Jn_3:3. We make it our ambition, öéëïôéìïõìåèá , saith the apostle here, to get acceptance in heaven, waiting till our Father shall call us home, and passing the time of our sojourning here in fear, 1Pe_1:17. The saints have their commoration upon earth, åíäçìïõíôåò , their conversation in heaven.