John Chrysostom

"For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness; nor seeking glory of men, neither from you, nor from others, when we might have been burdensome, as Apostles of Christ." For "neither at any time," he says, "were we found using words of flattery"; that is, we did not flatter, which is the part of deceivers, who wish to get possession and to domineer. No one can say that we flattered in order to rule, nor that we had recourse to it for the sake of wealth. …

Homily on 1 Thessalonians 2 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since he had praised them before this, so that the praise would not become suspicious, he says: I never flattered you (which is characteristic of deceivers), and I am not flattering you now. And not out of passion for money did we preach. That I did not flatter you, you yourselves are witnesses, but that I was not covetous—God is witness; for this is unknown to you.

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗

Clement of Alexandria

It therefore follows, that every one of those who undertake to promote the good of their neighbours, ought to consider whether he has betaken himself to teaching rashly and out of rivalry to any; if his communication of the word is out of vainglory; if the only reward he reaps is the salvation of those who hear, and if he speaks not in order to win favour: if so, he who speaks by writings escapes the reproach of mercenary motives. …

The Stromata Book 1 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

And Paul makes the same point with a causal analysis. For someone wishes to please men for two reasons, that is, for the sake of advantages, or for the sake of glory; however, he excludes these from consideration here. He rules out the first possibility by saying: for we never used words of flattery: we avoided not only any flattery, but every occasion of greed as well: "There is great gain in godliness with contentment" (1 Tim. 6:6). "Every one is greedy for unjust gain" (Jer. 6:13).

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗