2 Thessalonians 3:9

Catholic Public Domain Version

It was not as if we had no authority, but this was so that we might present ourselves as an example to you, in order to imitate us.

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nor provisions for the journey, nor two tunics, nor shoes, nor a staff. For the laborer deserves his portion.

For I have given you an example, so that just as I have done for you, so also should you do.

Therefore, I beg you, be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ.

And let him who is being taught the Word discuss it with him who is teaching it to him, in every good way.

Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor from others.

For you yourselves know the manner in which you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.

For you have been called to this because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in his footsteps.

not so as to dominate by means of the clerical state, but so as to be formed into a flock from the heart.