2 Thessalonians 3:9
Good News Translation
We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow.

New Revised Standard Version
This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.

Contemporary English Version
We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set an example for you.

New American Bible
Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.

Not.

Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat.

1 Corinthians 9:4-14 Have not we power to eat and to drink? . . .

Galatians 6:6 And let him that is instructed in the word communicate to him that instructeth him, in all good things.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others.

to make.

2 Thessalonians 3:7 For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also.

1 Peter 2:21 For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.

Context
Warning against Irresponsibility
8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing: but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you. 9Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us. 10For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.…
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:16
Wherefore, I beseech you, be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:4
Have not we power to eat and to drink?

2 Thessalonians 3:7
For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.

1 Peter 5:3
Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

2 Thessalonians 3:8
Top of Page
Top of Page