Paul Taught Work by Word as Well

But in case anyone should think that, while he worked in silence and tried to teach them by example, he had not instructed them with precepts and warnings, he goes on: “For when we were with you, we declared this to you: if anyone will not work, neither should he eat.” He makes their idleness look still worse. They knew that he, like a good master, worked with his hands for the sake of teaching and instructing them, and yet they were ashamed to imitate him. And he stresses his diligence and care by saying that he not only gave them this example when he was with them, but also proclaimed it continually in words: that if anyone would not work, neither should he eat. [a]