What does 2 Thessalonians 3:8 mean?

Paul recalls how he and his coworkers conducted themselves when they were in Thessalonica. They refused to lazily take charity when they were able to provide for themselves. When they ate, they paid for what they ate. They worked diligently night and day to be self-supporting, because they did not want to be a financial burden to the Thessalonian Christians. Their example, therefore, stood in stark contrast to idleness. In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul had stated this fact (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Now he mentions it again.

As Paul states elsewhere in his letters (1 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Timothy 5:17–18), those who work in ministry ought to be supported by their fellow Christians. This applies both to those serving in that particular congregation, as well as those who minister as missionaries (2 Corinthians 11:8). Paul's point here is not that all ministers, or pastors, or missionaries, are supposed to be entirely self-sufficient. Nor is it to insist that believers be in a state of strain and business every waking moment. Rather, the purpose of this message is to remind the Thessalonians of the importance of a good work ethic, especially in spiritual matters.

It was customary in Hebrew culture for every boy to learn a trade. Apparently Paul learned the tent-making trade and practiced it to support himself when he was a missionary. According to Acts 18:1–4 he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla at Corinth, because all three were tent makers, and while he pursued his trade he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath as he tried to win Jews and Greeks to Christ.