Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 2:6

6 Nor of men sought we glory , neither of you, nor yet of others , when we might have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ .

This is the third vice he vindicates his Ministry from. The word Glory first signifies some excellency in any Subject. Secondly, This excellency as displaying and manifesting it self. Thirdly, The opinion and esteem thereof in the minds of men, as the Greek word imports, And so taken in the Text, we did not seek mens honour, high esteem, or applause; we sought them not in the inward bent of our thoughts, or the studies of our mind, nor in the outward course of our Ministry and Conversation, to form them so as to gain Glory from men. Though honour and esteem was their due from men, yet they did not seek it. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it; This Christ reproved in the Scribes and Pharisees, that in their Prayers, Alms, Fasting, affected Habits, and Titles they sought the praise of men, Matth. 6. And how can ye believe, seeing ye seek honour one of another, and not the honour that comes from God. Joh. 5.44. every man ought with reference to actions honourable, and praise-worthy, and a good Name is a blessing, but to seek honour, that's the evil. And as the Apostle did not seek it himself, so he forbids it to others, Gal. 5. last. Be not desirous of vain-glory, &c. And notes some false Teachers as guilty of it. 2 Cor. 10.12. It is a vice directly opposite to humility, unbecoming a man as man, and highly dishonourable to God, and contrary to the Gospel. The Heathens cherisht it as the Spur to great atchievements, It is one of Tullies Rules for the institution of Princes; but the Christian Religion that gives all Glory to God, condemns it. And yet we may seek the vindication of our Name, when thereby we may provide for the honour of the Name of God, as the Apostle Paul often did.

He adds this to shew that this was their general practise among others as well as these Thessalonians. They were not guilty of flattery, covetous designs, or seeking the Glory of men among any Churches, or in any place. Their practise in their Ministry was uniform, and in all places upright and sincere.

Or we were able to be in, or for a burden, Hebraism: By burden some understand Authority, q. d. We might have used our Ministerial Authority more than we did, whereby to get greater honour and respect to our persons among you. And indeed all Authority and Honour have their weight and burden. Others by burden understand maintenance. And then he means we might have been chargeable to you, according to the Power given by Christ to his Apostles to reap carnal things from them to whom they sowed spiritual things. And at the first sending them forth in Iudea, it was so ordained by Christ, that they should be maintained at the peoples charge, see 1 Cor. 9. But they were so far from Covetousness, that they took not all that was their due, and what they might of their outward substance,, and from seeking their own honour, that they did not use what Authority they might to procure it among them. For they laboured with their hands night and day, that they might not be chargeable, ver. 9. Though they might have challenged not only maintenance, but honourable maintenance, 1 Tim. 5.17.

Marginal references: Joh. 5.41, & 12.43.; 1 Cor. 9.3. 2 Thess. 3.9.