Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Literally, "Nor of men (have we been found, 1 Thessalonians 2:5) seeking glory." The "of" here represents a different Greek word from "of" in the clause "of you . . . of others." ALFORD makes the former (Greek, "ex") express the abstract ground of the glory; the latter (apo) the concrete object from which it was to come. The former means "originating from"; the latter means "on the part of." Many teach heretical novelties, though not for fain, yet for "glory." Paul and his associates were free even from this motive [GROTIUS], (John 5:44).
we might have been burdensome--that is, by claiming maintenance (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 2 Corinthians 12:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). As, however, "glory" precedes, as well as "covetousness," the reference cannot be restricted to the latter, though I think it is not excluded. Translate, "when we might have borne heavily upon you," by pressing you with the weight of self-glorifying authority, and with the burden of our sustenance. Thus the antithesis is appropriate in the words following, "But we were gentle (the opposite of pressing weightily) among you" (1 Thessalonians 2:7). On weight being connected with authority, compare Note, see on 2 Corinthians 10:10, "His letters are weighty" (1 Corinthians 4:21). ALFORD'S translation, which excludes reference to his right of claiming maintenance ("when we might have stood on our dignity"), seems to me disproved by 1 Thessalonians 2:9, which uses the same Greek word unequivocally for "chargeable." Twice he received supplies from Philippi while at Thessalonica (Philippians 4:16).
as the apostles--that is, as being apostles.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
2 Corinthians 5:20
1 Thessalonians 1:1
1 Thessalonians 2:1
1 Thessalonians 2:7
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