2 THESSALONIANS 3:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”
It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate — Paul renounces his apostolic right (exousia) to financial support; the renunciation becomes a gift—a model (hypodeigma) of sacrifice. His behavior is pedagogical.
Church Fathers on 2 Thessalonians 3:9
And yet even if they had eaten, it would not have been for nought. “For the laborer,” he says, “is worthy of his hire.” Luke 10:7 See how in the former Epistle indeed he discourses somewhat more mildly concerning these things; as when he says, “We beseech you, brethren — that you would abound more and more — and that you study” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11— and nowhere does he say, “we command,” nor “in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” which was fearful and implied danger, but…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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