Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Ver. 9. Wherefore we labour] Our hope of heaven maketh us active and abundant in God's service. The doctrine of assurance is not a doctrine of liberty, but the contrary, 1 John 3:3. We make it our ambition, φιλοτιμουμεθα, saith the apostle here, to get acceptance in heaven, waiting till our Father shall call us home, and passing the time of our sojourning here in fear, 1 Peter 1:17. The saints have their commoration upon earth, ενδημουντες, their conversation in heaven.