1 Thessalonians 2:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 2:9, the Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers of the rigorous and self-sacrificial nature of his ministry among them. He recounts his "labour and travail," emphasizing that he worked diligently "night and day" to avoid being a financial burden on anyone in the community. This strenuous effort was undertaken specifically so that he could freely and credibly proclaim "the gospel of God," thereby demonstrating the authenticity of his message and his pure motives, distinct from those who might preach for personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter where he defends the integrity and authenticity of his apostolic ministry to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Having just asserted his bold and pure motives in preaching the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6), Paul now provides concrete evidence of his selfless conduct. He contrasts his genuine care and self-support with the manipulative tactics of false teachers or charlatans, whom he implicitly condemns. This passage serves to remind the church of the ethical foundation of their conversion and to reinforce their confidence in the gospel they received, as well as in Paul's genuine affection for them, which he further elaborates on in his parental metaphors in [1 Thessalonians 2:7-8](/1_thessalonians/2-7-8 "Paul's Gentle Care for the Thessalonians").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, itinerant philosophers and religious teachers often traveled from city to city, relying on the generosity of their followers for support. However, many were viewed with suspicion, as some were known to exploit their audiences for financial gain or personal prestige. Paul, acutely aware of these perceptions, deliberately chose to support himself through manual labor (likely tent-making, as mentioned in [Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Paul's Trade as a Tentmaker")) rather than depend on the Thessalonians. This decision was counter-cultural for a respected teacher, yet it served to distinguish his ministry from that of charlatans and to underscore the purity of his motives. His actions were a powerful apologetic, demonstrating that the gospel was not a commodity to be sold but a divine truth to be freely given.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights **Apostolic Integrity and Authenticity**, showcasing Paul's commitment to living out the gospel he proclaimed, thereby validating his message. It underscores the theme of **Selfless Service and Sacrifice** in ministry, emphasizing that true spiritual leadership prioritizes the well-being of the flock over personal comfort or gain. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Purity of the Gospel Message**, demonstrating that the good news of God's grace is not to be tainted by mercenary motives. Paul's example here serves as a practical illustration of the principles he often teaches, such as working with one's own hands to avoid being a burden, as later advised in [2 Thessalonians 3:8-9](/2_thessalonians/3-8-9 "Paul's Example of Working to Avoid Being a Burden"). This conduct also aligns with the broader theme of **Imitation of Christ**, as Paul consistently sought to model Christ-like humility and service for his converts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Greek, _kópos'_):** This term refers to toil or strenuous effort, often implying weariness or exhaustion that results from hard work. It denotes intense exertion, whether physical or mental, undertaken for a specific purpose. In Paul's context, it signifies the demanding nature of his work to support himself while simultaneously ministering.
* **travail (Greek, _móchthos'_):** This word conveys hardship, painful toil, or distress. It emphasizes the difficulty and suffering involved in the effort. When paired with _kópos_, it intensifies the description of Paul's work, highlighting not just the effort but also the accompanying pain and struggle he endured.
* **chargeable (Greek, _epibaréō'_):** Derived from words meaning "upon" and "heavy," this term means to be heavy upon, to be expensive to, or to be a burden. Paul's deliberate choice not to be "chargeable" meant he refused to be a financial weight or hindrance to the Thessalonian believers, ensuring his ministry was not perceived as a financial exploitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail:"** Paul appeals to the Thessalonians' personal memory of his conduct among them. The terms "labour" (_kópos_) and "travail" (_móchthos_) are a powerful rhetorical pairing, emphasizing the extraordinary effort, hardship, and suffering Paul endured. This was not casual work but intense, exhausting toil, visible to the community.
* **"for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you,"** This clause explains the purpose and intensity of Paul's "labour and travail." His commitment to working "night and day" underscores his diligence and willingness to sacrifice personal rest and comfort. The motivation was explicit: to avoid being a financial "chargeable" or burden to the new believers. This demonstrated his selfless commitment to the gospel and the community's spiritual growth, removing any potential accusation of mercenary motives.
* **"we preached unto you the gospel of God."** This final clause reveals the ultimate goal of Paul's self-supporting toil. By removing financial obstacles and demonstrating his pure intentions, he ensured that the proclamation of "the gospel of God" was unimpeded and received with credibility. His actions validated his message, showing that the good news was truly from God and not a human enterprise for profit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message. **Apostolic Appeal** is evident as he directly addresses the Thessalonians, "brethren," and appeals to their shared memory ("ye remember"), fostering a sense of intimacy and shared experience. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is seen in "night and day," which, while perhaps not literally 24/7, vividly conveys the relentless and exhaustive nature of his work. The pairing of "labour and travail" (Greek _kópos_ and _móchthos_) forms a **Hendiadys**, where two words joined by "and" express a single, intensified idea – in this case, extremely arduous and painful work. Finally, Paul utilizes **Ethos** (appeal to credibility) by recounting his exemplary conduct, which served to validate his message and distinguish him from false teachers. His actions were a living testament to the truth of the gospel he proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 2:9 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of authentic Christian ministry and the proclamation of the gospel. Paul's choice to work diligently to support himself, rather than relying on the new converts, underscores a principle of selfless service that prioritizes the integrity of the message over personal gain or comfort. This was not a rejection of the right of ministers to receive support (as he argues elsewhere), but a strategic decision in a specific context to remove any potential stumbling block to the gospel's reception. It highlights that the value of the gospel is not measured by what it costs the preacher, but by its intrinsic divine worth, freely given by God. This commitment to avoiding financial burden ensured that the "gospel of God" was seen as a divine gift, not a human commodity.

* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "The Lord's Command for Gospel Workers to Live from the Gospel")
* [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "Paul's Refusal of Support in Corinth")
* [Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Paul's Example of Self-Support and Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's example in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 challenges believers today, particularly those in ministry, to examine their motives and methods of service. It calls for a deep commitment to integrity, ensuring that our actions consistently align with the message we proclaim. The willingness to engage in "labour and travail" for the sake of the gospel, even to the point of personal sacrifice, remains a powerful witness. This verse encourages us to consider how our conduct, especially concerning financial matters, impacts the credibility of our witness and the reception of Christ's message. It is a reminder that the purity of the gospel should always take precedence over personal comfort or material gain, and that genuine love for others will often manifest in a willingness to bear burdens, rather than impose them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's commitment to self-support challenge modern perceptions of Christian ministry and leadership?**
* **In what ways might our actions, intentional or unintentional, become a "chargeable" burden or stumbling block to others receiving the gospel today?**
* **How can we cultivate a similar spirit of "labour and travail" in our own service to God, whether in vocational ministry or daily life?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure my motives in serving God and others are pure and above reproach?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul against ministers receiving financial support?**

Answer: No, Paul was not against ministers receiving financial support in principle. In fact, he explicitly taught that those who proclaim the gospel have a right to live from the gospel, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "The Lord's Command for Gospel Workers to Live from the Gospel"). He also instructed churches to provide for their teachers ([Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Sharing All Good Things with Instructors")). However, in specific contexts like Thessalonica (and Corinth, as in [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "Paul's Refusal of Support in Corinth")), Paul chose to waive this right. His motivation was strategic: to remove any possible accusation that he was preaching for money, thereby safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the "gospel of God" among new converts who might be susceptible to such suspicions due to the prevalence of mercenary teachers in their culture. His self-support was an act of sacrificial love to ensure the gospel's free and unhindered reception.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's self-sacrificial "labour and travail" in 1 Thessalonians 2:9, undertaken to freely preach the gospel and avoid being a burden, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul willingly endured hardship for the sake of those he served, Christ, though rich, "became poor for your sake, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Self-Impoverishment for Our Riches")). Jesus did not come to be served, but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus Came to Serve and Give His Life")). He bore the ultimate burden of sin and separation from God, a burden we could never carry, so that we might be set free and receive the "gospel of God" without cost. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by tireless effort, compassion, and a complete lack of self-interest, culminating in the cross where He became the ultimate sacrifice, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Paul's exemplary conduct, therefore, serves as an echo of the greater, perfect self-giving of Christ, who truly bore all our burdens so that we might receive the gift of eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.