2 Thessalonians 3:9 - Exposition

Not because we have not power; that is, to demand support. Paul, as an apostle, had the right of maintenance from the Churches among whom he laboured. This right of support he insists upon in the First Epistle to the Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 ). But for the sake of his converts, to give them an example of diligent working, and to remove every impediment to the progress of the gospel, he often waived his rights. Thus he did at Thessalonica ( 1 Thessalonians 2:6 , 1 Thessalonians 2:9 ), at Corinth ( Acts 18:3 ; 2 Corinthians 11:9 ), and at Ephesus ( Acts 20:1-38 :340; in all these places he laboured for his maintenance as a tent maker. But —we acted so— to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow —imitate— us .