Chapter
1 2 3
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2 Thessalonians 3:7

ESV For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
NIV For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,
NASB For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you,
CSB For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you;
NLT For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.
KJV For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
NKJV For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

What does 2 Thessalonians 3:7 mean?

In this verse Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he and his coworkers were not lazy when they were in Thessalonica. He appeals to the Thessalonians to imitate his coworkers and himself in this regard. Perhaps some members of the church at Thessalonica thought they should quit their jobs, sit back, and wait for the Lord's return, but such behavior constituted laziness. Paul's behavior contrasted sharply with that behavior. He stayed busy while he waited for the Lord's return.

In verse 8 Paul describes the exemplary ministry style he and his associates pursued in Thessalonica. In his letter to the Ephesians he encouraged believers to make the best use of their time, because the days were evil (Ephesians 5:16). Any believer who desires a life of loafing ought to rid himself of that desire. Christians ought to choose, instead, to follow Paul's example and also the example of our Lord Jesus, who ministered from dawn to dusk to do His Father's will. It's important to take time for rest (Mark 2:27), and to avoid burnout. However, a Christian's goal ought to be accomplishing the will of God, not getting by as easily as possible.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: