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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Observe the tender compassion of the Apostle; they were shaken and he trembles and fears. And hence he has put it so as thoroughly to shame them, "I have bestowed labor upon you," saying, as it were, make not vain the labors which have cost me sweat and pain. By saying "I fear," and subjoining the word "lest," he both inspires alarm, and encourages good hope. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
See what a sensitive heart: they waver and Paul is afraid. The expression "lest somehow" (μή πως) shows that they were still intact and had not yet suffered complete shipwreck. And he gives them hope that if they wish to come to their senses, then the labor spent on them was not in vain. He is as if saying to them: remember my efforts for you and do not make my labors futile.
Oecumenius
"I am afraid." See, their insides are in turmoil, and Paul is afraid. The phrase "for fear that" still indicates those standing and not yet fully shipwrecked. And it gives them hope that if they are willing to recover, their labor will not be in vain for them; as he said, Remember my toil and sweat for you, and do not frustrate my anguish.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
By this practice they are put in grave danger. Hence he says: "I am afraid lest perhaps it was in vain," i.e., fruitlessly, "that I labored" among you. Therefore the faithful must avoid observing such things. Indeed, no suggestion of these things should be found among them, for whatever is done simply out of devotion to God can turn out prosperously. From this arises a danger because faith in Christ profits nothing from it. …
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