⁸ we did not eat^(A) anyone’s food^[a] free of charge;^(B) instead, we labored^(C) and struggled,^(D) working^(E) night and day, so that we would not be a burden^(F) to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right^(G) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate^(H) us. ¹⁰ In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”^(I)

⁹ For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers. Working^(A) night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you.

¹⁷ For we are not like the many^[a] who market God’s message^(A) for profit. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

² Shepherd God’s flock among you,^(A) not overseeing^[a] out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will;^[b] not for the money but eagerly;

⁵ and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness^[a] is a way to material gain.^{[b](A) 6} But godliness with contentment is a great gain.^(B)