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1. Numerous causes of depression are connected with the lives of faithful ministers. Their office necessarily brings them into collision with the passions of others. Hostility to the truth frequently assumes the character of personal spite against the preacher, who is misrepresented, contemned, and persecuted.

2. During these seasons the apostles were able to state their possession of supports and consolations which had imparted to them animation and perseverance (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 16; 2 Corinthians 6:9, 10). These are comforts permanently provided for the work of the ministry, and not the least is that of the text.

I. THERE IS A STRONG RELIGIOUS AFFECTION CHERISHED BY MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL TOWARDS THEIR RELIEVING HEARERS. This is well illustrated by previous expressions in this Epistle.

1. The relation of ministers to their people must of necessity always involve the exercise of kindly solicitude on their behalf. This is clear from Scriptural designations of their vocation. It is impossible to fulfil that vocation without feeling towards those whom they feed as shepherds, protect as watchmen, instruct as teachers, lead as guides, an affectionate interest.

2. This affection is also founded, as is all intelligent affection, on the possession of some common property. Both have been "called in one hope of their calling," received the same Divine grace in their hearts, brought from the same spiritual bondage, washed in the same fountain, justified by the same righteousness, etc.

3. This affection becomes still more powerful when pastors have reason to conclude that to their instrumentality believers have been indebted for their introduction to spiritual life. Thus it was here. This connection is more close than others. It is not the relation of a friend to a friend, but of a father to a son (3 John 1:2-4).

II. THERE IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT WHICH IT BECOMES MINISTERS AND THEIR BELIEVING HEARERS TO ANTICIPATE. Those who are united in the bond of Christian attachment ought to hold in remembrance that their communion on earth must soon terminate. But we have not to stay our contemplation of the future with the point of death. We have to look beyond to a period of high restoration. Throughout the Epistle the thought of the Lord's coming is associated with the well-being of the saints.

1. Let the minister habitually anticipate this, and he cannot but be careful that he may answer the claims and fulfil the obligations of his office.

2. Let private Christians regard this, and they, too, will earnestly cultivate the graces appropriate to their station.

III. THE EVENT ANTICIPATED WILL INVOLVE THE MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SPIRITUALLY RELATED ON EARTH. This involves the general principle that all pious friendships will be restored to be perpetuated forever.

1. The ultimate recognition of the saints is a truth adapted to administer substantial consolation amidst the numerous and painful separations inflicted by death. What gratitude should arise towards that religion which affords such a hope!

2. This doctrine is applied to the recognition of preachers and believers. That connection which on earth is the parent of so much pure enjoyment will then be restored.

IV. THIS RECOGNITION WILL TO MINISTERS BE CONNECTED WITH ELEVATED JOY (2 Corinthians 1:13, 14; Philippians 2:15, 16; Philippians 4:1). In contemplating the reasons for ministerial joy we may name —

1. The consideration of the unspeakable misery which believers have avoided, and the happiness to which they are exalted.

2. Saved believers will be a public testimony to the universe of official faithfulness and success. What a transcendent honour to be acknowledged in the presence of the Father and the holy angels. Here we do not witness all the results of our ministry.

3. The salvation of others will add new and permanent value to ministerial reward.

(James Parsons.)

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KJV: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

WEB: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn't it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?