2 Thessalonians 3:9

not because we have not power Better, have not the right (moral power, authority) viz., "to lay the charge of our maintenance upon the Church;" see note on 1 Thessalonians 2:6. In the other Epistle St Paul refers to this matter in order to prove his earnest care for the Thessalonian Church; but here, for the sake of making his behaviour an example to them. Similarly in 1 Corinthians 10:33; 1 Corinthians 11:1; and Acts 20:34-35; compare with 2 Corinthians 12:14-15.

but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, &c.] Or, more freely rendered: to furnish you with an example in ourselves, so that you might imitate us. The apostles sacrificed their own rights and comfort for the benefit of the Thessalonians (comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:8, also 2 Thessalonians 1:5), wishing to supply them with the kind of example most suitable for their imitation; and we learnt from 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7, that this purpose had in most respects been realised.

On example(or pattern), see note to 1 Thessalonians 1:7; and on imitate(follow, A.V.), 1 Thessalonians 1:6, and 2 Thessalonians 3:7 above.