2 Corinthians 11:7

New Catholic Bible

Paul’s Apostolate. ⁷Did I make a mistake by preaching the gospel of God without charge, humbling myself^[a] so that you might be exalted?

2 Corinthians 11:7 Humbling myself: apparently Paul’s opponents took issue with the fact that he failed to accept payment for his services. This went counter to the practice of first-century traveling philosophers and religious teachers, who exacted payment in proportion to the worth of their performance.

2 Thessalonians 3:8

New Catholic Bible

⁸We did not ever accept food from anyone, but with toil and drudgery we worked night and day so that we would not burden any of you.

⁹We did so, not because we have no right to accept such help, but to present ourselves as a model for you to imitate.