1 Thessalonians 2:7-9

1 Thessalonians 2:7-9

[7] But  we were  among  even as  a nurse  her  children:  [8] So  being affectionately desirous  we were willing  to have imparted  not  the gospel  of God  only,  but  also  our own  souls,  because  ye were  dear  [9] For  ye remember,  brethren,  labour  and  travail:  for  labouring  night  and  day,  because  not  be chargeable  unto any  we preached  unto  the gospel  of God. 

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Instead he was gentle and unselfish, more like a nursing mother than an apostle.
"A nursing child can become ill through reaction to something the mother has eaten. The Christian who is feeding others must be careful not to feed on the wrong things himself." [1]
However, Paul gave himself, not just his message, to the Thessalonians out of love for them, not for personal gain. In this Paul followed the tradition of Jewish rabbis for whom receiving money for teaching the Law was considered shameful. [2] The measure of his love was the toil and trouble he expended as he worked constantly, probably making tents and other leather articles, so he would not be a burden to them. Paul was by trade a leather-worker. [3] This is how he and his companions had heralded the gospel among them (cf. Philippians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 11:7-11).
"A gospel messenger who stands detached from his audience has not yet been touched by the very gospel he proclaims." [4]