Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

"For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat bread for nought at any man`s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us." — 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (ASV)

The apostle had a right to be supported by those among whom he labored. He always insists upon that right; but for their good, knowing the tendency of that age, he himself renounced that right; and he is indignant that there should be others who did nothing whatever in Christian ministry, but who made use of the charity of the church at Thessalonica so as to live on it without working.