1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

For {G1063} ye remember {G3421}, brethren {G80}, our {G2257} labour {G2873} and {G2532} travail {G3449}: for {G1063} labouring {G2038} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}, because {G4314} we would {G1912} not {G3361} be chargeable {G1912} unto any {G5100} of you {G5216}, we preached {G2784} unto {G1519} you {G5209} the gospel {G2098} of God {G2316}.

For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship, how we worked night and day not to put a burden on any of you while we were proclaiming God’s Good News to you.

Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Commentary

Context of 1 Thessalonians 2:9

In this section of his letter, the Apostle Paul is reminding the Thessalonian believers of his conduct and the nature of his ministry among them. He is defending his integrity and the authenticity of the gospel message he preached, contrasting his genuine care and selfless service with the motivations of false teachers or charlatans who might have sought personal gain. Paul highlights his personal example as a testament to the truth of his message and his sincere affection for the young church in Thessalonica.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Selfless Service and Diligence: Paul emphasizes his "labour and travail," signifying intense, exhausting work. This was not merely physical exertion but a demonstration of his commitment to the gospel and the Thessalonian community. His decision to work "night and day" underscored his dedication and willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of the ministry.
  • Financial Integrity in Ministry: A crucial aspect of Paul's ministry was his refusal to be "chargeable unto any of you." This meant he did not want to be a financial burden, even though apostles often had the right to receive support (as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:14). By supporting himself, Paul removed any potential accusation that he preached for money, thus preserving the purity and credibility of the gospel message.
  • Authenticity of the Gospel: Paul's actions validated his words. His diligent, self-supporting work ethic demonstrated that his primary motivation was the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonians, not personal profit. This reinforced the truthfulness and divine origin of "the gospel of God" that he proclaimed.
  • Apostolic Example: Paul consistently presented himself as an example for believers to follow, not only in doctrine but also in conduct. His hard work and financial independence served as a practical model of Christian living and ministry, an example he also explicitly calls them to remember in passages like 2 Thessalonians 3:8.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "labour and travail" translates two distinct Greek words: kopos (κόπος) and mochthos (μόχθος). Kopos refers to toil or strenuous effort, often implying weariness that results from hard work. Mochthos, on the other hand, conveys hardship, painful toil, or distress. The combination emphasizes the severe physical and mental exertion Paul underwent. The term "chargeable" comes from the Greek epibares (ἐπιβαρές), meaning burdensome or oppressive. Paul's aim was to ensure his ministry was not a financial weight or hindrance to the new believers.

Practical Application

1 Thessalonians 2:9 offers valuable lessons for all believers, especially those in ministry or leadership roles today:

  • Integrity in Service: It underscores the importance of serving God and others with pure motives, ensuring that our actions align with our stated purpose. Financial transparency and accountability remain crucial for Christian leaders.
  • Diligence and Work Ethic: Paul's example reminds us that hard work and commitment are virtues, whether in secular employment or spiritual ministry. We are called to be diligent in all our endeavors, to the glory of God.
  • Removing Stumbling Blocks: Paul went to great lengths to avoid becoming a financial burden, thereby preventing anything from hindering the reception of the gospel. This teaches us to be sensitive to potential obstacles and to remove them where possible, so that nothing detracts from the message of Christ. His conduct was designed to be holy and blameless, as further elaborated in 1 Thessalonians 2:10.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7

    For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

  • Acts 18:3

    And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13

    For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:14

    Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15

    ¶ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
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