What does 1 Thessalonians 2:9 mean?
In this verse Paul calls upon his readers to remember how hard he had worked in order not to impose on them. He worked long hours, to the point of exhaustion, and endured hardship in order to preach and teach the gospel. Perhaps his work involved making tents, which seems to be a trade he adopted. Acts 18:1–3 relates that he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla at Corinth because they were tentmakers, also.Paul's sacrificial labor to enrich the lives of the Thessalonians reflects the sacrificial ministry of the Lord Jesus on our behalf. Jesus led a voluntary simple life. He owned no property and did not even have a place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). When He died on the cross, He gave His blood on our behalf. Second Corinthians 8:9 affirms: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich [in heaven], yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."
First Thessalonians 2:9–12 is Paul's call for the Christians at Thessalonica to recall how he and his coworkers had conducted themselves. He describes how hard they had labored to support themselves, so they would not be a burden to the Thessalonians. He also calls on his readers to remember the godly lifestyle they led at Thessalonica while they shared the gospel. No one could accuse them of any wrongdoing. Like a loving father, they had encouraged and instructed the believers to lead a life that honored God, who had called them into His kingdom and glory.
Paul begins to flesh out the general ideas he mentioned in chapter 1. Here in chapters 2 and 3, he further explains how he came to preach to the Thessalonian people. Paul particularly notes that his good conduct, proving his unselfish motivations, was instrumental in his success. The warm response of the people also endeared them to Paul, making him long to visit them again. Unfortunately, Paul was prevented from doing so, a struggle he attributes to Satan. Paul once again expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonian Christians' ability to honor God despite persecution.
