2 Thessalonians 3:7

7 for yourselves have known how it behoveth [you] to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly 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 and the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God, and to the endurance of the Christ.

6 And we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother disorderly walking, and not after the deliverance that ye received from us,

7 for yourselves have known how it behoveth [you] to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you;

8 nor for nought did we eat bread of any one, but in labour and in travail, night and day working, not to be chargeable to any of you;

9 not because we have not authority, but that ourselves a pattern we might give to you, to imitate us;