2 Thessalonians 3:9-10
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul wasn't shirking his right to be supported by the Thessalonians out of obligation; instead, he intentionally chose to work to demonstrate a life of diligent labor. This shows his deep concern that they not just hear his words, but see his example of selfless, hard work as a model for their own lives.
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who were struggling with some idle or disruptive individuals within their community. He's just explained that he and his team could have demanded support for their ministry, but instead, they chose to work with their own hands, setting themselves up as a model for the Thessalonians to follow in their own work and diligence. This passage highlights Paul's commitment to living out the gospel in practical, tangible ways, not just through words.
Paul and his companions had every right to demand financial support from the Thessalonian believers. So why didn't they?
The Apostle's Entitlement
The Apostle Paul, like other ministers of the gospel, had a clear "right" to be supported by the communities he served. This wasn't a suggestion; it was a principle established by the Lord himself, who commanded that "those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14). Paul wasn't ignorant of this right; he explicitly states he had it. This means he could have asked for food and lodging, perhaps even more, and it would have been within his rights.
A Higher Purpose: Setting an Example
However, Paul chose not to exercise this right in Thessalonica. The reason given is profound: "to give you in yourselves an example to imitate." His decision wasn't about his own needs, but about their spiritual growth. By working with his own hands (as mentioned in the preceding verses), Paul provided a tangible model for how they should live – by diligence, hard work, and perhaps by not being a burden to others unnecessarily.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 is available in the Sola app.
Paul worked with his own hands. Was this just a job, or was it part of his divine mission?
The Sacredness of Labor
For Paul, manual labor wasn't beneath him or separate from his ministry; it was part of his ministry. By working, he demonstrated that faith and work are not in opposition. He could be both an apostle of Christ and a craftsman. This model is incredibly counter-cultural, suggesting that all honest work can be done in a way that honors God and serves others, even if one has the 'right' to be supported financially.
Imitating Christlike Service
The core of Paul's instruction here is imitation. He wanted the Thessalonians to imitate him, not in his apostolic authority, but in his humble, self-sacrificing work ethic. This reflects the ultimate example: Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Paul's actions were a practical outworking of the gospel, teaching principles of diligence, integrity, and selfless service through his own example.
Understand the original words
exousian · Greek Noun
A legal or moral claim to a benefit or privilege. Here, it refers to the apostle's right to receive financial support from the church for their ministry.
typon · Greek Noun
A pattern, model, or prototype intended to be followed or copied. It refers to the visible demonstration of godly living that serves as a guide for others.
Paul's emphasis on working while ministering in Thessalonica was rooted in his own apostolic practice of self-support, providing a tangible example to counter idleness in the church.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. He often supports himself by tentmaking.
c. AD 50-52
Paul in Corinth
While ministering in Corinth, a major commercial hub, Paul likely continued his tentmaking trade to support himself and his ministry. He met Aquila and Priscilla here.
c. AD 50-52
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul, Silas, and Timothy establish a church in Thessalonica during Paul's second missionary journey. However, due to opposition, Paul had to leave.
c. AD 52— this verse
Letters to the Thessalonians (1 & 2)
Paul writes from Corinth (or Athens) to the church in Thessalonica, addressing issues like the return of Christ and disorder within the community.
c. AD 52
Concern over Idleness
In his first letter, Paul addresses some in the Thessalonian church who were not working, possibly due to an overzealous expectation of Christ's imminent return.
Paul also discusses his right to financial support from the church, reinforcing the idea that he willingly set aside his rights for the sake of the Gospel's advancement.
Philippians 2:3-7This passage exemplifies the self-emptying attitude of Christ, which Paul also modeled by not insisting on his rights and serving others humbly.
1 Thessalonians 2:6Paul directly addresses the issue of seeking glory or financial gain, stating that he and his companions did not seek this, mirroring the sentiment in 2 Thessalonians 3:9.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8These verses provide the immediate context, showing Paul's hard work and diligent labor, directly illustrating the example of self-support he offered.
Paul wasn't shirking his right to be supported by the Thessalonians out of obligation; instead, he intentionally chose to work to demonstrate a life of diligent labor. This shows his deep concern that they not just hear his words, but see his example of selfless, hard work as a model for their own lives.
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who were struggling with some idle or disruptive individuals within their community. He's just explained that he and his team could have demanded support for their ministry, but instead, they chose to work with their own hands, setting themselves up as a model for the Thessalonians to follow in their own work and diligence. This passage highlights Paul's commitment to living out the gospel in practical, tangible ways, not just through words.
Paul is addressing the Thessalonian believers who were struggling with some idle or disruptive individuals within their community. He's just explained that he and his team could have demanded support for their ministry, but instead, they chose to work with their own hands, setting themselves up as a model for the Thessalonians to follow in their own work and diligence. This passage highlights Paul's commitment to living out the gospel in practical, tangible ways, not just through words.
"It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." — Paul wasn't shirking his right to be supported by the Thessalonians out of obligation; instead, he intentionally chose to work to demonstrate a life of diligent labor. This shows his deep concern t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
