| Geneva Study Bible Wherefore we {g} labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (g) And seeing that it is so, we strive to live so, that both in this our pilgrimage here we may please him, and that at length we may be received home to him. People's New Testament 5:9 We labor, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. To Paul, death meant to be present at once with Christ, leaving the body behind. He labored so that, whether present or absent in the body, he might be accepted with Christ. Wesley's Notes 5:9 Therefore we are ambitious - The only ambition which has place in a Christian. Whether present - In the body. Or absent - From it. King James Translators' Notes labour: or, endeavour Scofield Reference Notes Margin labour Gr. are ambitious. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 9. Wherefore-with such a sure "confidence" of being blessed, whether we die before, or be found alive at Christ's coming. we labour-literally, "make it our ambition"; the only lawful ambition. whether present or absent-whether we be found at His coming present in the body, or absent from it. accepted-Greek, "well-pleasing." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 5:9-15 The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, The terror of the Lord. Knowing what terrible vengeance the Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church. Christ's love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined, slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world! | 
