7. For yourselves know. Compare similar phraseology in 1 Thess. 2:1, 2, 5; 3:3; 5:2.
Follow. mimeomai, “to imitate.” Compare the use of the word in Heb. 13:7; 3 John 11. The instruction that Paul and his companions had given was not rendered confusing by inconsistency in their own lives. The Thessalonians had a worthy example set before them ( on 1 Cor. 4:16; Phil. 3:17). Paul could urge Christians to follow him because he followed Christ (see 1 Cor. 11:1). If they would think of Paul’s humble, careful, Christlike conduct, they would know what the Lord required of them. Every minister should so live that his life will be consistent with his teaching.
Behaved not … disorderly. The disorderly behavior to which Paul was alluding ( 6), seems to have been due to the fanatical idea that since the Lord was about to come, it was too late to continue worldly pursuits. Those who were imbued with this thought may have urged the principle of community of goods upon the church for selfish reasons, in order to profit from others’ labor. Paul denounced these indolent agitators ( 11), but first he reminded the brethren that his example had been a positive one. He was able boldly to appeal to his busy life among them.