Apostle Paul labored that he might be accepted

[nl]

Apostle Paul: Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

Faith is a diligent, industrious, and operative grace, and makes persons like itself. As none ought to be, so none are more careful to perform good works, or more ambitious to excel others in them, and thereby please their Lord, than believers. - John Gill commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9.

It may not fit popular, modern theologies but Paul said he and other Christians labored that they might be accepted by Christ and God.

 

[oldhermit]

Apostle Paul: Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

Faith is a diligent, industrious, and operative grace, and makes persons like itself. As none ought to be, so none are more careful to perform good works, or more ambitious to excel others in them, and thereby please their Lord, than believers. - John Gill commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9.

It may not fit popular, modern theologies but Paul said he and other Christians labored that they might be accepted by Christ and God.

Actually, the term εὐάρεστος relates more to the idea of being acceptable or well pleasing rather than accepted. I think the NAS and the KJV are the only English translation that render the word as accepted. You may know of some others that so render it.

 

[Angela53510]

Here are a few versions:

"So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." ESV

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." NIV

"Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." NASB

"It is our aim, therefore, to please him, whether we are “at home” or “away”." JB Phillips

"Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him."

"διὸ καὶ φιλοτιμούμεθα, εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες, εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι." SBL Greek NT

 

[nl]

Thanks for the research and information.

I still labor and still make it my aim and goal to be well-pleasing to Him, whether I am at home in the body or away from it.

 

[oldhermit]

As should we all. This certainly seemed to be a constant theme in the mind of Paul. Having already been accepted by the Lord for his assigned function as an apostle he still strove to be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord.

 

[overcomer2]

yes I believe you must make your calling and election sure whether an apostle or not. Many are called few are chosen. If we have been elected we better make the calling sure. Strive to enter in.