An Example Unto You 2 Thessalonians 3:9

Paul the apostle did not want he and his traveling companions to be “chargeable” to any of the Thessalonian church members, so the labored “night and day” to earn their own sustenance. In chapter three and verse nine of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul told the church members how this manner of living was to be “an example unto” them where we read:

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

The verse begins, “Not because we have not power,...” Paul began with the words, “Not because” or “not since or as though” “we have” which means “own, possess or hold in hand” “not power” or “not having authority, right, liberty and choice”. Paul knew he and his companions had the right to be supported by the Thessalonian church members, however they did not take advantage of their authority.

The verse goes on to say, “...but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us.” Paul added, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated take precedence over what was just written, “moreover, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding and therefore” “to make ourselves” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions' “fashioning, figuring, forming or printing” “an example” which is literally “the mark of a stroke or blow or a print” and carries the idea of a figure formed by a blow or impression” “unto you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “to follow us” or “imitate or mimic” Paul and his companions. Paul's desire was for the church members to “follow, imitate and mimic” he and his companions' manner of supporting themselves.

When we think about Paul's words, we admire he and his traveling companions' determination to support themselves. Even though they could have been supported by the Thessalonians, Paul and his companions worked for their sustenance. We too should “follow” or “imitate” Paul's example as we present the gospel with words and our manner of living, and may the Lord Jesus help us not to be “chargeable” to anyone with whom we share His “good news”.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians “if any would not work, neither should he eat”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.