2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 7For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, because we did not act inappropriately among you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying, but with labor and hardship night and day working in order that we might not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have authority, but in order to give ourselves as a example to you in order that you might imitate us.
In verse 7, Paul again calls the Thessalonians to action. The basic theme of verses 6-13 is living a disciplined life by working to support one’s needs. Paul, Silas, and Timothy modeled this life to the Thessalonians. Paul called the Corinthians to imitate him in 1 Corinthians 4:17 and 11:1. He provided an example of hard work and self-support in 1 Corinthians 9. He showed this same approach to ministry with the Thessalonians.
Paul gives two actions they did not do and two they did do as the follow his example. Negatively, they should not act inappropriately (ētaktēsamen). The adverb form of this word is used in 3:6. It has the sense of being undisciplined, disorderly, or offensive. Every culture has accepted practices and behaviors. This word describes living in a way that creates possible shame, embarrassment, or criticism because the behavior goes against how people are expected to behave. When this is used in a Christian context, it implies the opposite of holiness that witnesses to an attractive way of living.
The second negative is that Paul and his team did not eat bread without paying. They paid their own way and supported themselves. They were not a financial burden to the Thessalonians. Not relying upon their support freed the ministry team from a sense of patronage owed to the church. The reason for this approach is given in verse 9.
The two positive actions are stated and implied in verse 8. The main idea is that they worked hard to support themselves. The second action is implied is that they did not want to be a financial burden to the Thessalonians. They wanted to contribute to the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth and not be a drain of their resources, which might create unpleasant feelings or obligations. Paul, Silas, and Timothy were able to move about as God directed.
Verse 9 expresses the team’s motive. They wanted to set an example of hard work and self-support to these new Christians. Christians ought to be models of hard work and disciplined living. Christianity and laziness are incompatible. Those who are able to work and support themselves should work. There are situations where a person is disabled or unable to work, and in those cases, family and the church can help. The ministry team could have appealed to their authority as apostles and leaders but instead, took the position of humble service.
In ministry, relying upon the support of a church can create as sense of employment rather than partnership. There are situations when it is helpful and even necessary that a local church support its leaders. Paul writes about this in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. A lot of foundational ministry can be developed when a missionary or leader is self-supporting. Bi-vocationalism is a necessary strategy for many small churches.
For older posts, click here.