Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3:9

"not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us." — 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (ASV)

Power—Rather, authority, which is power plus legitimacy. Paul guarded the rights of the apostolate with great jealousy—not for himself, but for the Lord’s brothers and Cephas (1 Corinthians 9:5), perhaps for Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 2:6), and for the future. The unbounded claims of spiritual fatherhood appear to be drawn from the Roman law of patria potestas (compare Philemon 1:8, 19).

To make—Literally, in order that we might give. They had adopted this plan with careful thought and design.

An example—The same word as in 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Literally, a model. The argument is a strong à fortiori. Whatever reason these Thessalonians might have for giving up work, Paul had the same reasons, and more. He looked for the Advent, as they did; he spent his time visiting the believers, as they did; and moreover, he had the apostolic right to financial support, which they did not. Why shouldn't he have stopped working, if they could justify doing so? If he thought it right to work, à fortiori, it must be their duty to work too.