II Thessalonians 3:7
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For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
how ye ought to follow us--how ye ought to live so as to "imitate (so the Greek for 'follow') us" (compare Notes, see on Co1 11:1; Th1 1:6).
Open source ↗In the close of the foregoing chapter, the apostle had prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, and now he desires their prayers, encouraging them to trust in God, to which he subjoins another petition for them (Th2 3:1-5). He then proceeds to give them commands and directions for correcting some things he was informed were amiss among them (Th2 3:6-15) and concludes with benedictions and prayers (Th2 3:16-18).
Open source ↗3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.