John 5:44 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

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 1 Thessalonians 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 from 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 rely upon him alone for life and salvation. It is said, 1 Thessalonians 12:42, that among the chief rulers many believed; yet it is added, 1 Thessalonians 12:43, For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. But those words, 1 Thessalonians 12:43, seem rather to refer to the Pharisees, mentioned in the latter part of 1 Thessalonians 12:42, where a reason is given why, though many great rulers believed, yet they did not confess Christ, because of the Pharisees. Or if those words, 1 Thessalonians 12:43, be to be applied to those of whom it is said, they believed, 1 Thessalonians 12:42, we must distinguish concerning believing, which in 1 Thessalonians 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.