5:8 absent from the body. Even though being “absent from the body” is not as good as being in the future resurrection body, it is still something to be anticipated by the Christian with joy, for “to depart, and to be with Christ…is far better” (Philippians 1:23). “To die” for the Christian “is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In heaven with Christ, our spirits—though without physical bodies—will be distinct and recognizable, in some way still bearing our likenesses. This was true, for example, of the spirits of Samuel and Moses (I Samuel 28:11-14; Matthew 17:3), and also, in Christ’s parable, of the spirits of Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:22-25).

5:9 labour. This verse is not suggesting that we must “labour” to be “accepted” by Christ. The connotation of “labour” is “be ambitious,” and that of “accepted of” is “be well-pleasing to.” It is our earnest desire to please Christ (II Timothy 2:4).

5:10 judgment seat. The “judgment seat” (Greek bema) is not the “great white throne” (Revelation 20:11) where unbelievers are to be judged by their works and then sent into hell, but a judgment for rewards, or loss of rewards, to believers. See also Romans 14:10-12, I Corinthians 3:11-15, Revelation 22:12).