We didn’t eat anyone’s food without paying for it. In fact, it was just the opposite. We worked night and day. We worked very hard so that we wouldn’t cause any expense to any of you.We worked, even though we have the right to receive help from you. We did it in order to be a model for you to follow.Even when we were with you, we gave you a rule. We said,“ Anyone who won’t work shouldn’t be allowed to eat.”We hear that some people among you don’t want to work and are making trouble. They aren’t really busy. Instead, they are bothering others.We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. So we strongly command people like that to settle down. They have to earn the food they eat.
And do everything you can to live a quiet life. You should mind your own business. And work with your hands, just as we told you to.Then unbelievers will have respect for your everyday life. And you won’t have to depend on anyone.