Matthew Poole and continuators on John 5:44

44 How can ye believe which receive honour from one another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God onely ?

It is evident that by receiving Honour from one another, is here to be understood the seeking and pursuing of Honour and Applause from men, without regard to the praise of God. So also Ch. 12.43. For otherwise it is Lawful for Parents to receive Honour from Children, Masters from Servants, Princes, and other Magistrates, from People; but for men to be Ambitious of Honour and Applause of men, in neglect of the Honour and Praise of God, this is highly sinful; and it cannot be expected that any such Persons should so far deny themselves, and renounce their own works of Righteousness, as to accept of Christ and his Righteousness, and relye upon him alone for Life and Salvation. It is said, Iohn 12.42, 43. That amongst the chief Rulers, many believed: Yet it is added, v. 43. For they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God. But those words, v. 43. seem rather to refer to the Pharisees, mentioned in the latter part of v. 42. where a Reason is given, why tho many great Rulers believed, yet they did not confess Christ, because of the Pharisees. Or if those words, v. 43. be to be applyed to those of whom it is said, they believed, v. 42. we must distinguish concerning believing, which in Ch. 12.42. signifieth no more than an assent given to him as a great Prophet, upon the Miracles they saw wrought by him: In this place, a true and lively Faith, receiving Christ as our Mediator and Saviour.

Marginal references: Rom. 2.29.