we did not eat(A) anyone’s food[a] free of charge;(B) instead, we labored(C) and struggled,(D) working(E) night and day, so that we would not be a burden(F) to any of you. It is not that we don’t have the right(G) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate(H) us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”(I)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Or bread

nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(A) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(B) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(C) 10 For even when we were with you,(D) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(E) shall not eat.”

Read full chapter