2 Thessalonians 3:9

“not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us”

“Not because we have not the right”: The right to be financially supported,. right that Paul did exercise. Paul quickly nips any misconception in the bud. It is amazing that despite this clear verse and those found in other Chapter s (1 Corinthians 9:1 ff); that some religious people today still think that it is wrong to support. preacher. “But”: Notice how God leaves it up to the individual preaching the gospel whether they will accept support or not. God gives the preacher. lot of flexibility. He can accept full support, partial support, and so on. In certain situations, Paul offered the gospel without charge, you might say, as. bonus service that he wanted to give (1 Corinthians 9:14). “To make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us”: This verse infers that Paul knew that among the Thessalonians his decision to not take support was to his and their advantage. It demonstrated the purity of his motives (1 Thessalonians 2:5), and it also demonstrated that the Christian religion does not teach (by word or example). disdain for manual labor or hard work. Morris notes, “The Thessalonians are reminded that this was not. piece of pageantry or showmanship, but was very purposive” (p. 254).