Wherefore we labour,— We make it the height of our ambition, Φιλοτιμουμεθα, whether staying in the body, or going out of it: that is, "Whether I am to stay longer here, or suddenly to depart." The foregoing verse leads us to this sense. From ch. 2 Corinthians 4:12 to this place, St. Paul, to convince the Corinthians of his uprightness in his ministry, has been shewing that the hopes and sure expectation which he had of eternal life, kept him steadfast and resolute in an open sincere preaching of the gospel, without any deceitful artifice; in which his argument stands thus: "Knowing that God, who raised up Christ, will raise me up again, I, without any fear or consideration of what it may draw upon me, preach the gospel faithfully; making this account, that the momentary afflictions which I may suffer for it here, and which are but slight indeed, in comparison of the eternal things of another life, will exceedingly increase my happiness in the other world, where I long to be; and therefore death, which brings me home to Christ, is no terror to me. All my care is, that whether I am to stay longer in this body, or quickly leave it, living or dying I may approve myself to Christ in my ministry." In the next two verses the Apostle has another argument to fix in the Corinthians the same thoughts of him; and that is, the punishment which he shall receive at the day of judgment, if neglecting to preach the gospel faithfully, and not endeavouring sincerely and earnestly to make converts to Christ.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 5:9
2 Corinthians 5:9
9 Wherefore we labour,a that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.