1 Thessalonians 2:5

Still our apostle sees fit to proceed in avouching his own sincerity in preaching the gospel, and disowning all flattery, covetousness, and vain-glory, to have any influence upon him in the discharge of his ministerial trust.

First, he used not flattering words, that is, speeches fitted to gratify the lusts and humours of men, or for gaining their favour, or courting their good opinion. Flattery in any is odious, in. minister it is monstrous; both because spiritual men ought to be most plain-hearted, and also because flattery about spiritual things is most fatal and pernicious, both to the giver and receiver.

Secondly, he used not. cloak of covetousness, that is, he had no covetous design in his ministry; his great end, in that administration, was not worldly or outward advantage to himself; and because. covetous design is secret, and man cannot judge of it, he appeals solemnly to God, that searcheth the heart, as. witness of his freedom from that design; I used no flattering words, as ye know, nor. cloak of covetousness:

God is witness: as if he had said, "Had. used flattering words, you might witness it: but. could have worn. cloak of covetousness so closely, that you could not have seen it, but God could; he can judge through the darkest cloud, and see him, whether. have put on such. cloak, or no." An oath then is lawful to. Christian; he may solemnly appeal to God, and call him to witness the truth of what he speaks, in and upon. just and great occasion; thus St. Paul here by oath, purges himself from covetousness of spirit.

Thirdly, he purges himself from all ostentation and vain-glory; he tells them plainly, he did not hunt after applause from others, nor sought so much as due respect in. fitting maintenance from themselves, though herein he assures them he did remit of his right; seeing, as an apostle of Christ, he might have been burdensome, that is, chargeable to them, by exacting maintenance from them.

Learn, 1. Though every man may (much more. minister) have. due respect to his own honour and just reputation, yet to hunt after respect and esteem, and to seek it with the full bent of our desires, doth savour of vanity and vain-glory.

Learn, 2. Though the ministers of the gospel have an undoubted right to an honourable maintenance, yet it may be. pious prudence in them, at. particular time, to remit their right: and when they do so, with an eye at the glory of God and the advantage of the gospel, God will recompense it to them.