Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
Parallel translations
- WEB not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
- KJV Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
- NKJV not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
- NASB not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a role model for you, so that you would follow our example.
- NLT We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
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 could rightly have been supported by the church, but he chose to work in order to set an example. He willingly gave up a right for the sake of others.
Overview
Paul affirms that gospel workers do have the right to material support (1 Corinthians 9:14), yet he waived it here. He did so precisely "to make ourselves an example," placing the church's good above his own privilege. This models the gospel pattern of surrendering rights in love, as Christ himself did.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- 2 Th 3:7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,
- 1 Th 2:6Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
- 1 Cor 9:4–14Have we no right to food and to drink?
- Gal 6:6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- Matt 10:10Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
- John 13:15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
- 1 Pet 2:21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
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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 3:9 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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