We receive reward for our labor, but as to our place, we all get the same glory as Christ: "when Christ... shall appear," we—that is, all Christians—"shall... appear with Him in glory." When you come to labor, it is a very different thing, and reward is accordingly. The Thessalonians will be Paul's crown, but they will not be ours; that is clear. We know not how this will be accomplished, but in glory Paul will have them as his crown, yet he will not take away Christ's crown. It was all grace that did it, though Christ is pleased to reward the labor when it is faithfully done, owning, not me, but the grace of God that is in me. Loving obedience to Christ, not reward, is the motive for labor. The anticipated reward gives encouragement, especially when the servant faces trials or opposition.