2 Thessalonians 3:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} because {G3754} we have {G2192} not {G3756} power {G1849}, but {G235} to {G2443} make {G1325} ourselves {G1438} an ensample {G5179} unto you {G5213} to {G1519} follow {G3401} us {G2248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was not that we hadn’t the right to be supported, but so that we could make ourselves an example to imitate.

Berean Standard Bible

Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

American Standard Version

not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 3:9, the Apostle Paul clarifies his and his companions' decision to work diligently and support themselves while ministering in Thessalonica. He asserts that this was not due to a lack of apostolic right or authority to receive financial support, but rather a deliberate choice to provide a tangible, living example for the Thessalonian believers, particularly those who were prone to idleness, demonstrating the importance of hard work and self-sufficiency within the Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's concluding exhortations in his second letter to the Thessalonians, specifically addressing a significant pastoral concern: idleness among some members of the church. In the preceding verses [2 Thessalonians 3:6-8](/2_thessalonians/3-6-8 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 - Warning Against Idleness"), Paul issues a strong command to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." He then immediately reminds them of his own conduct while among them, emphasizing that he and his co-workers "wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you." Verse 9 then serves to explain the *reason* for their self-supporting labor, setting the stage for the direct command in [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - The Work Ethic Command") that "if any would not work, neither should he eat," and the subsequent admonition against "disorderly" living in [2 Thessalonians 3:11-12](/2_thessalonians/3-11-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 - Exhortation to Work Quietly").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, like the one in Thessalonica, existed within a Greco-Roman world where patronage and client relationships were common. Philosophers and religious teachers often relied on the support of their disciples or patrons. However, there was also a prevailing cultural disdain for manual labor among the elite. Within the Thessalonian church, a misunderstanding of eschatology (the doctrine of end times) seems to have contributed to the problem of idleness; some believers, perhaps believing Christ's return was so imminent that daily work was unnecessary, had ceased to labor and were living off the charity of others. Paul's example directly countered this, demonstrating that Christian hope does not negate earthly responsibilities. His choice to work "night and day" also set him apart from itinerant sophists or charlatans who often exploited their followers for financial gain, thus protecting the integrity of the gospel message.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Thessalonian epistles and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Apostolic Example and Leadership**, where Paul doesn't merely preach but embodies the principles he teaches, providing a practical model for discipleship. It highlights the tension between the **Right to Support vs. Voluntary Renunciation**, as Paul asserts his legitimate "power" or authority to receive sustenance from the church (a principle he defends elsewhere, such as in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Apostolic Rights")), yet chooses to forgo it for the greater good. Most critically, it directly addresses the theme of **Combating Idleness and Promoting a Christian Work Ethic**, which is a central concern in both [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/4-11-12 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Live a Quiet Life and Work") and [2 Thessalonians](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Warning Against Idleness"), emphasizing personal responsibility, diligence, and living in a manner that honors God and avoids being a burden to others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** G1849. From ἔξεστι (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence. Here, Paul uses _exousía_ to denote his legitimate right or authority as an apostle to be supported by those he ministered to. It signifies a divinely granted privilege and competency, not merely physical strength.
* **ensample (Greek, _týpos'_):** G5179. From τύπτω; a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning). Paul intended his self-supporting labor to be a clear, imprinted pattern or model for the Thessalonian believers to emulate, particularly in their work ethic and self-sufficiency.
* **follow (Greek, _miméomai'_):** G3401. Middle voice from (a "mimic"); to imitate. This word underscores the intentionality of Paul's example. He wasn't just living; he was living in a way that he expected others to mimic or imitate, highlighting the pedagogical purpose of his conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not because we have not power":** This opening clause is a strong negation, clarifying Paul's motive. He explicitly states that his decision to work was not born out of a lack of legitimate right or authority (_exousía_) to receive financial support from the church. This preempts any misunderstanding that he was forced into self-sufficiency or that his apostolic office lacked the customary privileges of a teacher. It implicitly affirms the principle that those who minister the gospel have a right to live from the gospel.
* **"but to make ourselves an ensample unto you":** This is the pivotal explanatory clause, revealing Paul's true, pastoral motivation. The conjunction "but" (G235, _allá_) introduces a strong contrast to the preceding negation, emphasizing the positive purpose. Paul and his companions deliberately chose to "make" (G1325, _dídōmi_, here in the sense of 'give' or 'present') themselves as a "týpos" – a clear, tangible pattern or model. This "ensample" was specifically for the Thessalonian believers ("unto you"), designed to be observed and understood.
* **"to follow us":** This final infinitive phrase states the explicit goal of Paul's exemplary conduct. The purpose of presenting themselves as an "ensample" was so that the Thessalonians would "miméomai" – imitate or follow – their behavior. This directly addresses the issue of idleness by providing a practical, lived demonstration of the diligence and self-reliance that Paul desired to see in the church, thereby encouraging them to adopt a similar work ethic.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, there is a clear use of **Antithesis**, contrasting what their actions were *not* based on ("not because we have not power") with what they *were* based on ("but to make ourselves an ensample"). This highlights the intentionality and self-sacrificial nature of their conduct. The central device is **Exemplification** or **Modeling**, where Paul presents his own life and actions as a direct pattern for others to follow. This is reinforced by the use of the word "_týpos_" (ensample), which literally means a stamp or mold, implying that their lives were designed to leave an imprint on the Thessalonians. Furthermore, there is an element of **Didacticism**, as Paul's example serves as a practical teaching method, demonstrating rather than merely declaring the desired behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle of Christian liberty exercised for the sake of others and the gospel. While Paul possessed the "power" or right to receive support, he voluntarily renounced it to serve a higher purpose: providing a compelling example and removing any potential stumbling block to the gospel's reception or the church's spiritual health. This act of self-denial for the benefit of the community reflects a deep commitment to pastoral integrity and the practical outworking of love. It underscores that Christian leadership is not about asserting rights but about serving and modeling Christ-like behavior, especially in areas where the community struggles. This also connects to the broader biblical emphasis on diligence, personal responsibility, and the dignity of labor, countering any notion that spiritual pursuits negate the need for earthly work.

* [1 Corinthians 9:1-18](/1_corinthians/9-1-18 "1 Corinthians 9:1-18 - Paul's Defense of Apostolic Rights") - Paul extensively defends his right to financial support as an apostle but explains why he often chose not to exercise it.
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others") - Paul exhorts believers to act in humility, considering others better than themselves and looking out for their interests, a principle he embodies in [2 Thessalonians 3:9](/2_thessalonians/3-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:9 - Paul's Example").
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock Willingly") - Peter similarly instructs elders to shepherd the flock willingly, not for dishonest gain, but being "ensamples to the flock."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's intentional decision to live as an "ensample" in [2 Thessalonians 3:9](/2_thessalonians/3-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:9 - Paul's Example") offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider how our own lives serve as models for others, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities of faith. True spiritual leadership, whether formal or informal, is not merely about what we say, but critically about how we live. Paul's willingness to forego a legitimate right for the greater good of the community and the integrity of the gospel message is a powerful call to self-sacrificial service. It reminds us that our actions speak louder than words, and that practical diligence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic are not merely secular virtues but integral components of a robust Christian witness. We are called to live in such a way that our conduct encourages and equips others to walk in integrity, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in every facet of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you consciously or unconsciously serving as an "ensample" to others?**
* **Are there any legitimate rights or privileges you could choose to forgo for the greater good of your community or for the sake of a more powerful witness?**
* **How does your work ethic reflect your faith, and in what ways could it be a stronger "ensample" for those around you?**
* **What specific steps can you take to ensure your actions consistently align with the principles you profess, thereby strengthening your spiritual leadership or influence?**

### FAQ
**Did Paul always refuse financial support from the churches he ministered to?**

Answer: No, Paul did not always refuse financial support, though he often chose to be self-supporting, especially in new mission fields like Thessalonica and Corinth. He clearly articulated his apostolic right to receive support from the churches he served, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:4-14](/1_corinthians/9-4-14 "1 Corinthians 9:4-14 - Paul's Right to Support"). He also received support from some churches, notably the Philippians, whom he commends for their generosity (see [Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippians' Generosity")). His decision to work with his own hands was a strategic choice, often made to avoid being a burden, to prevent accusations of greed, or, as in the case of [2 Thessalonians 3:9](/2_thessalonians/3-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:9 - Paul's Example"), to set a practical example for the believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's self-renunciation of his apostolic right to support, choosing instead to become a working "ensample" for the Thessalonians, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's humility and willingness to set aside personal privilege for the benefit of others perfectly mirrors the divine humility of Christ. As the Apostle Paul himself declares in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"), Christ, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." Jesus, though possessing all divine "power" and authority, emptied Himself, not clinging to His heavenly prerogatives, but descending to earth, living a life of service, and ultimately submitting to the cross for the salvation of humanity. He became the supreme "ensample" for us, demonstrating the ultimate self-giving love (as seen in [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus Washes Feet as an Example")) and teaching that true greatness lies in humble service, not in asserting rights or seeking personal gain ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, Paul's actions in [2 Thessalonians 3:9](/2_thessalonians/3-9 "2 Thessalonians 3:9 - Paul's Example") are a Christ-like echo, drawing believers not only to imitate the apostle but, through him, to imitate the perfect pattern of our Lord, who gave Himself completely for us.

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;

1 Corinthians 9:4

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

1 Corinthians 9:14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

John 13:15

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: