Commands to be Enforced by Example
2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample to you to follow us.


During the siege of Sebastopol, Gordon was one day going the round of the trenches when he heard an angry altercation between a corporal and a sapper. On examining the cause, he learned that the men were instructed to place some gabions on the battery, and that the corporal had ordered the sapper to stand on the parapet, where he would be exposed to the enemy's fire, and to place the gabions, while he, perfectly sheltered, handed them up from below. Gordon at once jumped on the parapet, ordering the corporal to join him, while the sapper handed them the gabions. When the work was done, and done under the fire of watchful Russian gunners, Gordon turned to the corporal and said, "Never order a man to do what you are afraid to do yourself."

(Life of General Gordon.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

WEB: not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.




The Example of the Apostle Himself as a Support to His Command
Top of Page
Top of Page