Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Thessalonians 3:9

9 Not because we have not power , but to make our selves an ensample to you to follow us .

The contents of this verse are already spoke to in the former, only the Apostle asserts the right of maintenance, due to the Ministry by the name of power. It may be claimed by Authority from Christ; Though it should not be commanded by any Laws from men. As the Priests under the Law had their maintenance setled upon them by the Law of God; so hath God appointed that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, 1 Cor. 9.14. Gal. 6.6. And though this power may be claimed, yet in some cases it is to be denyed, as the Apostle did, 1 Cor. 9.12. We have not used this power, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. And so he did here. to make himself an example, [non-Latin text not transcribed], which signifies any mark that is cut or engraven to stamp things into its own likeness, Oft used in the New Testament, and variously applyed.

Its desireable to [illegible: 1 letter]ollow good examples, but more to become a good example; And as the old verse is true Regis ad exemplum, &c. so the old Proverb, like Priests, like People; and to follow them is to imitate them, as 1 Cor. 11.1. Be ye followers of me, even as I am also of Christ. He is the first pattern, and others are to be regulated by it; and so far, and no further to be imitated. As Ministers ought to be patterns, Titus 2.7. 1 Pet. 5.3. so the people ought to be followers, and their sin will be the greater if they follow not their Doctrine, when it is exemplified in their practice.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter] Cor. 9.6.; [illegible: 1 word] authority.; [illegible: 1 word] 7.