For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you;
Truth to Learn
The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about.
Behind the Words
The word translated “know” is eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.
“You ought” is from the Greek word dei, meaning “it is necessary.” It is a bold statement by Paul, for he is not saying “you could …” or even “you should.” He is saying “you need to follow our example.”
“Imitate” is translated from mimeomai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”
The words “we were not disorderly” are from the word ou and the verb atakteō. Ou expresses absolute negation (the Greek word mē expressed conditional negation). Atakteō is from the same root as ataktos, which we saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to be disorderly.” It is used in a military sense, indicating soldiers who have broken ranks and are not following an orderly course of action.
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse, Paul instructed the Christians in Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from those who are disorderly, those who are not demonstrating obedience to God. You may also recall that the main purpose of this letter was to correct teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. There had been people who falsely taught that this time of God’s vengeance had already begun.
Based on this verse and the following seven or eight verses, Paul appears to be teaching how to identify the difference between those who teach true doctrine and those who teach false doctrine. His first teaching in this regard is that Paul and his companions were not disorderly. And we will find out in the coming verses that they worked hard for what they had.
There are many preachers today who tell you what you want to hear. They claim that God wants you to be wealthy or that God wants you to be completely healed. They are very charismatic, presenting themselves as someone who can lead you out of your misery into an earthly life of peace and prosperity, and usually asking you to send them money “for their ministry.” Paul, on the other hand, was humble, apparently not very tall or charismatic, and supported his own ministry by working as a tent maker. Which of these two types of preachers do you want to follow as an example of Christian teaching and Christian living? Paul was bold enough to tell people, “Do as I do, not just as I say.”
Application
Who is your favorite preacher or Bible teacher? Is he someone who lives an exemplary life of a submitted servant? Does he just talk the talk, or does he also walk the walk?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved