Explanation of the Text 1 Thess 2 :9. Self supporting Gospel Outreach
1Th 2:9 For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: how, working night and day so as not to become a burden to any one of you, we came and proclaimed among you God's Good News.
You remember, brethren, our labour - "Doubtless in the occupation of a tent-maker; Act_20:34 note; 1Co_4:12 note.
And toil (travail) - see the notes on 2Co_11:27. The word means “wearisome labor.”
For labouring night and day - That is, when he was not engaged in preaching the gospel. He appears to have labored through the week and to have preached on the Sabbath; or if engaged in preaching in the day time during the week, he made it up by night labor.
We preached unto you the gospel of God - That is, I supported myself when I preached among you. No one, therefore, could say that I was disposed to live in idleness; no one that I sought to make myself rich at the expense of others." Barnes Notes on the N.T.
How many these days earn their own way while they serve Christ. I remember hearing of the Moravian Missionaries to South Africa and the West Indies who were encouraged to plant vineyards and to work a farm to support themselves.
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| HipPostcard |
All the Peres Blancs in the Congo did not receive overseas support except for projects not for their personal income. They ran grinding mills for corn or made children's clothes or sharpened knives and implements like axes. Tent making Missionaries are needed on a large scale right across the world.
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| Cattle herd of les Peres at Usumbura Burundi |
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