2 Thessalonians 3:7

7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,

2 Thessalonians 3:7 Meaning and Commentary

2 Thessalonians 3:7

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us
The apostle goes on to dissuade from that which denominates persons disorderly walkers, and exposes them to the censure of the church, and that partly by the example of the apostles, and partly by their command. He appeals to them, to their knowledge and judgment, it being a thing well known to them, that they ought to walk as they had the apostles for ensamples; for who should they follow but their spiritual fathers, shepherds, and guides? and especially so far as they were followers of Christ, as they were, in the case referred unto, working with their own hands:

for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
they could appeal to them as witnesses, and God also, how holily, justly, and unblamably they walked among them; see ( 1 Thessalonians 2:10 ) and particularly, that they did not live an idle and inactive life among them.

2 Thessalonians 3:7 In-Context

5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Messiah.

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,

8 neither did we eat bread for nothing from any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you;

9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.