It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
9 Not because we have not. As Paul wished by his laboring to set an example, that idle persons might not like drones “Ainsi que les bourdons entre abeilles ne font point de miel, et neantmoins viuent de celuy des autres;” — “As drones among bees do not make any honey, and yet live on that of others.” eat the bread of others, so he...
The apostle having commended their obedience for the time past, and mentioned his confidence in their obedience for the time to come, proceeds to give them commands and directions to some who were faulty, correcting some things that were amiss among them. Observe, The best society of Christians may have some faulty persons among them, and some things that ought to be reformed.
Commenting on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Not because we have not power,.... To forbear working, or require a maintenance from the churches to whom we minister, since Christ has ordained, that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel; see Co1 9:4. This the apostle says to preserve their right of claim, when and where they should think fit to make use of it; and lest other ministers of...