2 Thessalonians 3:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} yourselves {G846} know {G1492} how {G4459} ye ought {G1163} to follow {G3401} us {G2248}: for {G3754} we behaved {G812} not {G3756} ourselves disorderly {G812} among {G1722} you {G5213};

Complete Jewish Bible

For you yourselves know how you must imitate us, that we were not idle when we were among you.

Berean Standard Bible

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 3:7, the Apostle Paul appeals to his own conduct and that of his companions (Silas and Timothy) as a living example for the Thessalonian believers. He reminds them that they personally witnessed his diligent, self-sufficient, and orderly behavior, which stood in stark contrast to the idleness and disruptive conduct of some within their community, thereby establishing a clear standard for Christian living and discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's practical exhortations concerning Christian conduct, following his theological discussions and prayers in the preceding chapters. Specifically, [2 Thessalonians 3:6](/2_thessalonians/3-6 "2 Thessalonians 3:6 - Command to Withdraw from Disorderly Brethren") introduces the urgent command to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." Verse 7 then provides the crucial justification and foundation for this command: Paul's own blameless example. He is not merely giving abstract rules but pointing to a lived reality. This section, extending through [2 Thessalonians 3:15](/2_thessalonians/3-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:15 - Admonish as a Brother"), addresses a significant problem of idleness and busybody behavior that had taken root in the Thessalonian church, possibly exacerbated by misunderstandings about the timing of Christ's return. Paul's personal example serves as the authoritative and tangible "tradition" they were to follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Thessalonica was a bustling Roman port city, and its inhabitants would have been familiar with Roman societal expectations regarding work and civic order. While the Greco-Roman world had varying attitudes towards manual labor, a strong work ethic was generally valued, especially for the stability of the family and community. Within the Thessalonian church, some believers had apparently ceased working, perhaps due to an over-realized eschatology (believing Christ's return was so imminent that daily responsibilities were obsolete) or simply a general lack of discipline. This idleness led to them becoming a burden on others and engaging in disruptive "busybody" behavior, as noted in [2 Thessalonians 3:11](/2_thessalonians/3-11 "2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Some Walk Disorderly, Working Not At All"). Paul, a tentmaker by trade, consistently demonstrated a commitment to self-sufficiency, working with his own hands to avoid being a financial burden, even when he had the right to be supported by the churches (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:1-18](/1_corinthians/9-1-18 "1 Corinthians 9:1-18 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle")). His behavior directly challenged the emerging problem and provided a counter-cultural model of Christian diligence.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Thessalonians 3:7](/2_thessalonians/3-7 "2 Thessalonians 3:7 - Paul's Example of Orderly Conduct") contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book and Paul's theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Apostolic Example and Discipleship**. Paul consistently presents himself and his co-workers as a living embodiment of the gospel message and Christian conduct, urging believers to [imitate him as he imitates Christ](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Paul as He Imitates Christ"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Orderly Conduct and Diligence** within the Christian community. The contrast between Paul's "not disorderly" behavior and the "disorderly" conduct of some members is central to the passage's purpose. This theme emphasizes that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires practical, responsible living that contributes to the well-being of the community and the witness of the church. Finally, it touches on **Community Responsibility**, as the idleness of some directly impacted the resources and harmony of the entire body, necessitating Paul's strong admonition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often used in its perfect tense, signifies a settled, experiential knowledge or direct perception. Paul is not appealing to abstract teaching but to what the Thessalonians themselves "saw" and "perceived" of his conduct. It implies a firsthand, undeniable understanding of his behavior, making his appeal to their memory a powerful rhetorical tool.
* **ought (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb conveys a sense of necessity, obligation, or what is fitting and proper. It's not merely a suggestion but an imperative, indicating a moral or divine compulsion. The Thessalonians "ought" to follow Paul's example because it aligns with God's will for their lives and the health of the community. It speaks to a binding requirement for Christian conduct.
* **disorderly (Greek, _ataktéō'_):** Derived from a military term meaning "out of rank" or "out of order," this word describes behavior that is undisciplined, irregular, or irresponsible. In this context, it specifically refers to idleness and neglecting one's duties, leading to a disruptive and unproductive lifestyle. Paul's assertion that "we behaved not ourselves disorderly" directly refutes the problematic conduct he is addressing, presenting his consistent, disciplined work ethic as the antithesis of this "disorderly" state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us":** Paul begins with an appeal to the Thessalonians' personal knowledge and experience. The phrase "yourselves know" (αὐτοὶ γὰρ οἴδατε) emphasizes their direct observation and internal conviction regarding the exemplary conduct of Paul and his companions. The imperative "ought to follow us" (δεῖ μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς) establishes a clear expectation of imitation. This is not a casual suggestion but a moral obligation rooted in the visible, lived example of the apostles, who served as tangible models of Christian living.
* **"for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;":** This clause provides the substantiation for the preceding statement. Paul explains *how* they were to be followed: by observing the apostles' disciplined and responsible conduct. The negative assertion "we behaved not ourselves disorderly" (οὐκ ἠτακτήσαμεν) is key. It directly addresses the problem of idleness and disruptive behavior that had emerged in the church. By stating what they *didn't* do, Paul implicitly defines the positive standard of orderly, diligent, and self-sufficient living that the Thessalonians were to emulate. The phrase "among you" highlights that this was not a distant or theoretical example but one lived out in their midst.

#### Literary Devices
Paul effectively employs **Apostolic Example/Modeling** in this verse, presenting his own life and the lives of Silas and Timothy as a concrete, visible pattern for the Thessalonians to emulate. This is a form of **Ethos**, where Paul leverages his established credibility and the Thessalonians' direct experience of his blameless conduct to bolster his authority and the force of his instruction. He also utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting his "not disorderly" behavior against the "disorderly" conduct of some within the community, thereby highlighting the undesirable nature of idleness and the virtue of diligence. The use of the negative ("not disorderly") functions as a form of **Litotes**, emphasizing the positive quality of their orderly conduct by denying its opposite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Thessalonians 3:7](/2_thessalonians/3-7 "2 Thessalonians 3:7 - Paul's Example of Orderly Conduct") is a powerful testament to the incarnational nature of Christian discipleship. It underscores that faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life, demonstrated and passed on through tangible examples. Paul's insistence on his own orderly conduct reveals a profound theological conviction: that the gospel transforms not only one's spiritual standing but also one's practical daily habits, including work ethic, self-sufficiency, and contribution to the community. This verse connects the abstract principles of Christian living to the concrete reality of human behavior, emphasizing that a vibrant faith produces a disciplined life. It also highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to live lives worthy of imitation, serving as models of godliness and diligence for those they shepherd.

* [1 Corinthians 11:1](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's Call to Imitation"): "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
* [Philippians 4:9](/philippians/4-9 "Philippians 4:9 - Practice What You Have Learned"): "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
* [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "1 Timothy 4:12 - Be an Example to Believers"): "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Thessalonians 3:7](/2_thessalonians/3-7 "2 Thessalonians 3:7 - Paul's Example of Orderly Conduct") serves as a timeless reminder that our lives are often the most powerful sermons we preach. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider if our conduct aligns with the gospel we profess. Are we diligent in our responsibilities, whether at home, in the workplace, or within the church community? Do we contribute positively, or do we, through idleness or irresponsible behavior, become a burden or a poor witness? Paul's example calls us to a life of integrity, where our actions consistently reflect our faith. It encourages a strong work ethic, recognizing that God calls us to be productive members of society, using our gifts and time wisely, and to avoid the pitfalls of idleness that can lead to gossip, busybody behavior, or unhealthy dependence on others. Living an "orderly" life is not just about personal discipline; it's about maintaining the health, harmony, and credible testimony of the entire Christian community in a world that observes our actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my daily conduct reflect or contradict the principles of diligence and orderliness that Paul exemplified?**
* **How might my "disorderly" or idle habits (even subtle ones) negatively impact my family, my church, or my witness to the world?**
* **Who are the godly examples in my life whom I "ought to follow," and how can I more intentionally imitate their Christ-like qualities?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more disciplined and productive lifestyle, honoring God in my work and responsibilities?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul's example so important for the Thessalonians?**

Answer: Paul's example was crucial because it provided a concrete, living demonstration of the Christian principles he taught. The Thessalonians were struggling with idleness and disorderly conduct, possibly due to a misunderstanding of Christ's imminent return or simply a lack of discipline. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had lived among them, working diligently with their own hands to avoid being a burden (as he further explains in [2 Thessalonians 3:8-9](/2_thessalonians/3-8-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 - Paul's Self-Sufficiency and Example")). This firsthand observation made their instruction not merely theoretical but deeply practical and authoritative, showing that true faith expresses itself in responsible, productive living. It gave them a tangible model to imitate, reinforcing the "tradition" they had received.

**What does "disorderly" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "disorderly" is *ataktos* (ἀτάκτως), which literally means "out of rank" or "out of order." It was a military term describing a soldier who broke formation or was undisciplined. In the context of [2 Thessalonians 3](/2_thessalonians/3 "2 Thessalonians 3 - Paul's Exhortations Against Idleness"), it primarily refers to idleness, neglecting one's responsibilities, and consequently becoming a burden on others. This idleness often led to "busybody" behavior, meddling in others' affairs because they had too much time on their hands (cf. [2 Thessalonians 3:11](/2_thessalonians/3-11 "2 Thessalonians 3:11 - Some Walk Disorderly, Working Not At All")). So, "disorderly" here signifies a lifestyle characterized by a lack of discipline, productivity, and responsible contribution to the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Thessalonians 3:7](/2_thessalonians/3-7 "2 Thessalonians 3:7 - Paul's Example of Orderly Conduct") highlights Paul's exemplary conduct, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the perfect life and ministry of Jesus Himself. Paul's call to "follow us" is always qualified by his broader teaching to [imitate him as he imitates Christ](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Paul as He Imitates Christ"). Jesus is the ultimate model of an "orderly" life, perfectly aligned with the Father's will. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by diligent obedience, purposeful action, and unwavering focus on His divine mission, even to the point of death on the cross (cf. [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God") where Jesus declares, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work"). Unlike humanity's inherent "disorder" due to sin, Christ embodied perfect order, humility, and self-giving service, culminating in His redemptive work. He did not behave "disorderly" but perfectly fulfilled every righteous requirement (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Therefore, Paul's example, and indeed our own call to orderly living, is a reflection of the greater pattern set by Christ, who is the source and standard of all true discipline and purpose.

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 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:9

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

1 Corinthians 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

¶ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

Philippians 3:17

¶ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Titus 2:7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

1 Thessalonians 1:6

¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: