2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔχομεν
we have
G2192
ἔχομεν
we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
5 of 15
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τύπον
an ensample
G5179
τύπον
an ensample
Strong's:
G5179
Word #:
9 of 15
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
δῶμεν
make
G1325
δῶμεν
make
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;1 Thessalonians 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) recognized Paul's apostolic authority, which included financial support rights. Paul exercised apostolic privilege by renouncing it—a paradoxical power display. By working, he preemptively silenced accusations of greed common against traveling teachers.
Questions for Reflection
- What legitimate rights might God be calling you to renounce for others' spiritual benefit?
- How does voluntarily accepting hardship model Christian discipleship more powerfully than demanding privileges?
- Whose spiritual formation are you actively considering when making personal lifestyle choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us—Not because we have not power (ouch hoti ouk echomen exousian, οὐχ ὅτι οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν)—Paul had apostolic exousia (ἐξουσία, authority/right) to receive financial support (1 Cor. 9:4-14). He voluntarily waived this right.
Purpose: to make ourselves an ensample (typon, τύπον, pattern/model) unto you to follow us (mimēsthai hēmas, μιμεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς). Renouncing rights for others' benefit models Christlike servanthood. Paul could demand support but chose sacrifice to provide an imitable pattern. Christian liberty includes the freedom to limit freedom for love's sake.