Note 6 at 2 Th. 3:8: Paul and his companions were self-supporting. They worked long hours so as not to be a financial burden to those to whom they ministered (1 Th. 2:9). Acts 18:3 reveals that Paul was a tentmaker by trade. That's how he supported himself and his companions.

In Paul's days tents were widely used. Therefore, this was a trade which provided him ample opportunities for income whenever the need arose.

Note 7 at 2 Th. 3:8: The Greek word that was translated "travail" here is MOCHTHOS. It means, "a hard and difficult labor, toil, travail, hardship, distress" (Thayer). Paul didn't just work; he worked hard. He said he worked night and day which implies that he worked long hours as well.

Paul often told us to follow him (see ref. h at v. 7). Therefore, ministers who are in the same circumstance as Paul shouldn't be afraid of work. Paul was a hard worker and we should be also.