For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,
Parallel translations
- KJV For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- BSB For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,
- NKJV For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
- NASB For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you,
- NLT For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul reminds them to imitate his own example, since he and his team were never idle among them. Leaders' conduct sets a pattern for believers to follow.
Overview
Paul points to his own diligent behavior as the standard the idle were ignoring. The call to "imitate us" assumes that godly leaders model the very life they teach (1 Corinthians 11:1). His appeal grounds the command of verse 6 in a living, observed example rather than mere words.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- 2 Th 3:6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
- 2 Th 3:9not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
- 1 Cor 4:16I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
- 1 Cor 11:1Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
- Phil 3:17Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.
- 1 Th 1:6–7You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
- Titus 2:7in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
- 1 Tim 4:12Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- Phil 4:9The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- 1 Th 2:10You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe.
- 1 Pet 5:3neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ will be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, glorified in his saints, overthrowing the lawless one — the certain hope that steadies the suffering church.
How 2 Thessalonians 3:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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