“Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

The three negatives in this verse all relate to the same idea: Christian workers seeking glory, credit, and recognition from men.

Nor did we seek glory from men,

The word “glory” here carries the ideas of honor and praise. The gospel team did not seek praise from the Thessalonians.

The gospel team was not in the business of seeking glory. Neither lust for power nor personal approbation motivated their ministry.

“I do not receive honor [glory] from men. “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44).

The gospel team sought the glory that comes from God. They told the truth, even when it wasn’t popular.

Principle:

True ministry seeks praise from God, not people.

Application:

None of us should let praise drive our ministry. Using ministry as a platform to get one’s name in the limelight or become a famous “evangelical” shifts the focus of ministry from serving God and others to self-promotion. Leaders who lust for power, position, praise, or applause turn ministry into a carnal base for self-advancement.