⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(A) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(B) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(C) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^(D)

³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.^{(A) 34} You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.^{(B) 35} In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(A) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(B) while we preached the gospel of God to you.