Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Parallel translations
- WEB not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
- BSB Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
- 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 yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
- 1 Th 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
- 1 Cor 9:4–14Have we not power to eat and to drink?
- Gal 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
- Matt 10:10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
- John 13:15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
- 1 Pet 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
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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 3:9 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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