1 Thessalonians 5:12
Verse
Context
Christian Living
11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Paul Washer
Rick Leibee
George VerwerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Know them - Act kindly towards them; acknowledge them as the messengers of Christ; and treat them with tenderness and respect. This is a frequent meaning of the word γινωσκω. See on Joh 1:10 (note). Them which labor among you - The words τους κοπιωντας have appeared to some as expressing those who had labored among them; but as it is the participle of the present tense, there is no need to consider it in this light. Both it and the word προΐσταμενους, the superintendents, refer to persons then actually employed in the work of God. These were all admonishers, teachers, and instructers of the people, devoting their time and talents to this important work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
beseech--"Exhort" is the expression in Th1 5:14; here, "we beseech you," as if it were a personal favor (Paul making the cause of the Thessalonian presbyters, as it were, his own). know--to have a regard and respect for. Recognize their office, and treat them accordingly (compare Co1 16:18) with reverence and with liberality in supplying their needs (Ti1 5:17). The Thessalonian Church having been newly planted, the ministers were necessarily novices (Ti1 3:6), which may have been in part the cause of the people's treating them with less respect. Paul's practice seems to have been to ordain elders in every Church soon after its establishment (Act 14:23). them which labour . . . are over . . . admonish you--not three classes of ministers, but one, as there is but one article common to the three in the Greek. "Labor" expresses their laborious life; "are over you," their pre-eminence as presidents or superintendents ("bishops," that is, overseers, Phi 1:1, "them that have rule over you," literally, leaders, Heb 13:17; "pastors," literally, shepherds, Eph 4:11); "admonish you," one of their leading functions; the Greek is "put in mind," implying not arbitrary authority, but gentle, though faithful, admonition (Ti2 2:14, Ti2 2:24-25; Pe1 5:3). in the Lord--Their presidency over you is in divine things; not in worldly affairs, but in things appertaining to the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And we beseech you, brethren,.... Not in a natural or civil, but spiritual relation; and what follows relating to the ministers of the word, the apostle addresses this church on their behalf, not in an imperious and authoritative manner, but by way of entreaty, with great humility and strong affection: know them that labour among you; who were not non-residents, but were upon the spot with them; and where indeed should pastors be, but with their flocks? and husbandmen and vinedressers, but in their fields and vineyards? and stewards, but in the families where they are placed? and parents, but with their children? nor were they loiterers in the vineyard, or slothful servants, and idle shepherds, but labourers; who laboured in the word and doctrine; gave up themselves to meditation, reading, and prayer; laboured hard in private, to find out the meaning of the word of God; and studied to show themselves workmen, that need not be ashamed; and preached the word in season and out of season; faithfully dispensed all ordinances, and diligently performed the duties of their office; and were willing to spend and be spent, for the glory of Christ, and the good of souls, and earnestly contended for the faith of the Gospel; and all this they did, as among them, so for them, for their spiritual good and welfare: some render the words, "in you"; they laboured in teaching, instructing, and admonishing them; they laboured to enlighten their understandings, to inform their judgments, to raise their affections, and to bring their wills to a resignation to the will of God; to refresh their memories with Gospel truths; to strengthen their faith, encourage their hope, and draw out their love to God and Christ, and the brethren: and what the apostle directs them to, as their duty towards these persons, is to "know" them; that is, not to learn their names, and know their persons, who they were; for they could not but know them in this sense, since they dwelt and laboured among them, and were continually employed in instructing them; but that they would make themselves known to them, and converse freely and familiarly with them, that so they might know the state of their souls, and be better able to speak a word in season to them; and that they would take notice of them, show respect to them, and an affection for them; acknowledge them as their pastors, and account of them as stewards of the mysteries of God, and own them as ministers of Christ; and reckon them as blessings to them, and acknowledge the same with thankfulness; and obey them, and submit unto them in the ministry of the word and ordinances, and to their counsel and advice, so far as is agreeable to the word of God: the Arabic version renders it, "that ye may know the dignity of them that labour among you"; and so conduct and behave towards them accordingly: and are over you in the Lord; are set in the highest place in the church, and bear the highest office there; have the presidency and government in it, and go before the saints, and guide and direct them in matters both of doctrine and practice, being ensamples to the flock; the Syriac version renders it, "and stand before you"; ministering unto you in holy things, being servants to you for Jesus' sake: and this "in the Lord"; or by the Lord; for they did not take this honour to themselves, nor were they appointed by men, but they were made able ministers of the word by God; received their gifts qualifying them for this work from Christ, and were placed as overseers of the church by the Holy Ghost: and it was only in things pertaining to the Lord that they were over them; not in things civil, which distinguishes them from civil magistrates; nor in things secular and worldly, they had nothing to do in their families, to preside there, or with their worldly concerns, only in the church of Christ, and in things pertaining to their spiritual welfare; and though they were over them, yet under Christ, and in subjection to him, as their Lord and King; governing not in an arbitrary and tyrannical way, lording it over God's heritage, usurping a dominion over the faith of men, coining new doctrines, and making new laws; but according to the word of God, and laws of Christ, in the fear of the Lord, and with a view to the glory of God, and in love to souls: hence the Arabic version renders it, in the love of the Lord; the phrase, "in the Lord", is omitted in the Syriac version: and admonish you; or instruct you, put into your minds good and wholesome things, and put you in mind of the doctrines of the Gospel, of the duties of religion, of former experiences; and give warning of sin and danger, and reprove and rebuke with faithfulness; and as the case requires, either in public or private, and with sharpness or tenderness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerging leaders in the church (1 Cor 16:15-16). True leaders . . . work hard (1 Tim 4:10; 5:17) and govern to serve (Matt 20:25-28). They preside over, as well as help and protect, the church (Rom 16:1-2; 1 Tim 3:4-5, 12). • give you spiritual guidance: Leaders correct both moral and doctrinal errors (Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 4:14; Col 1:28).
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Christian Living
11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Fruitbearing
By Jim Cymbala10K51:28Bearing FruitMAT 21:43COL 1:101TH 5:12HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. They share a story about a woman who kept a secret and was consumed by guilt. The speaker highlights the urgency of bearing fruit and encourages listeners to be loving, helpful, and kind. They explain that God wants believers to focus on being rather than just doing, and that growth is essential for bearing fruit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that bearing fruit brings glory to God, and references a verse in Matthew where Jesus warns the Jewish leaders that the kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit.
(2006 Conference) 4.appreciation and Encouragement
By Zac Poonen2.9K59:58MAT 8:10LUK 1:47ACT 13:15ACT 15:312CO 1:31TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 3:131JN 2:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of appreciation, gratitude, and encouragement in restoring balance in our lives. It highlights the need to express gratitude to God, appreciate one another, and encourage those around us. The speaker addresses the cultural influences that hinder expressions of thankfulness and stresses the biblical significance of being grateful, as seen in stories like the thankful leper and Paul's appreciation for the Corinthians.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
By Paul Washer1.7K1:09:58ExpositionalMAT 6:33EPH 4:321TH 1:31TH 5:121TH 5:14In this sermon, the speaker urges the congregation to take certain actions towards one another. These actions include admonishing the unruly, encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, and being patient with everyone. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work and sacrifices made by others. Additionally, the speaker highlights the need for holding onto both people and the word of God in order to be compassionate and truly help others. The sermon references Ephesians 4 and emphasizes the role of equipping the saints for the work of service in building up the body of Christ.
(Apostolic Vision) the Biblical Concept of Eldership
By Dale Heisey81400:00MAT 20:26EPH 5:211TH 5:12HEB 13:71PE 5:2In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where he sees a man diligently setting up chairs in the church basement. This man is later introduced as Brother Leonard, who exemplifies the proper discharge of duties and serving others. The preacher then focuses on Hebrews chapter 13, specifically verses 7, 17, and 24, which mention obeying and submitting to those who have rule over you. However, the preacher emphasizes that this does not mean dominating or controlling others, but rather serving and being examples to the flock. The sermon concludes with the idea that true leadership is found in those who serve and care for the needs of others, just as Jesus came to serve and not to be served.
Able to Admonish
By Rick Leibee7961:37:15ROM 15:41TH 5:122TI 4:2TIT 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden before taking action. He advises against reacting impulsively and encourages listeners to pause and pray before making decisions. The speaker also highlights the significance of appropriate timing when addressing issues or concerns within the church community. The sermon references 2 Timothy 4:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word. The speaker raises questions about how to handle various situations within the church, such as someone not being faithful in their devotional life or wearing a covering as a fashion statement instead of a symbol of submission.
Loyalty
By George Verwer7461:00:061TH 5:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of training missionaries to deal with people and handle unpredictable situations. He emphasizes the need for planning ahead and shares his own testimony of coming to India and the challenges he faced. The speaker also highlights the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and loyalty in missionary work and encourages the audience to study his booklet, "Revolution of Balance." He concludes by emphasizing the effectiveness of the learning method of teaching principles and allowing individuals to apply them in real-life situations.
(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) the Courtship Relationship
By Rick Leibee6051:15:11PRO 22:6DAN 11:32MAT 6:33EPH 6:11TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting emotions lead in the process of courting or seeking a romantic relationship. He explains that while emotions are not the basis for salvation, they are still an integral part of our lives and should not be ignored. The preacher also addresses the issue of when a courtship is not going well and advises that it is okay to gracefully and kindly end the relationship if it is not working out. Overall, the message encourages listeners to have a single-minded focus on Jesus and to trust in God's will in their relationships.
Wise Words for Living (English to Dutch)
By George Verwer1301:20:23DutchACT 4:31ACT 8:4ACT 8:25ACT 20:321TH 5:122PE 3:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of finding balance in various areas of life. He emphasizes the need to plan ahead while also leaving room for God to guide and bring something special. The speaker also highlights the balance between zeal and wisdom, reckless faith and discernment. He mentions the balance between crisis experiences and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of both emotional recommitment to God and steady spiritual development. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for balance in other areas of life, such as organization, family dynamics, and church ministry.
A Godly Flock
By Anton Bosch0ROM 12:3EPH 6:191TH 5:12HEB 13:7JAS 4:6Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a believer, as it is a core attribute of a godly man or woman. Without humility, one cannot have a proper relationship with God, as He gives grace to the humble but resists the proud. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge, esteem, honor, trust, obey, remember, salute, and pray for their leaders, showing respect and support in various ways. The key to harmonious relationships within the church lies in the state of the heart, where both leaders and followers must cultivate humility and submission to one another's roles and gifts.
Leadership: Joy or Burden?
By A.W. Tozer0Leadership in the ChurchGratitude1TH 5:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual mistakes we make regarding our Christian leaders: a lack of gratitude and an excessive, blind following. He points out that failing to express gratitude is a subtle sin of omission, which can be overlooked compared to more obvious sins. Tozer argues that being thankful to God's servants is equivalent to being thankful to God, as their efforts are divinely inspired. He encourages believers to recognize their obligation to these leaders and to express gratitude, which is a valuable offering to God that enriches both the giver and the receiver.
(One Body in Christ) 5. Submission and Leadership
By Zac Poonen0ISA 55:81CO 16:15GAL 5:6EPH 5:211TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:171PE 5:5Zac Poonen preaches on the laws of the Kingdom of God being opposite to earthly kingdoms, emphasizing the call for submission and service in the Body of Christ. He highlights the importance of honoring Christ by submitting to one another, serving with humility, and lovingly serving one another. Poonen explains that submission is not just obedience but also denying oneself, following the example of Jesus who constantly denied His rights. He stresses the significance of submitting to divinely-appointed authority in the Church, including leaders, elders, and spiritual guides, as a means to spiritual maturity and growth.
That Great Day
By Ross Ulrich0MAT 7:7JHN 14:16JHN 17:9ACT 12:20ACT 14:231TH 5:122TH 3:61JN 5:16John MacArthur explains that 'erotao' means to plead or beg, emphasizing a gentle correction rather than an authoritative command, reflecting a friend appealing to a friend. The term signifies a level of familiarity between the requester and the one being asked. In the context of prayer, 'erotao' conveys a delicate and tender expression, such as Jesus asking the Father for His disciples in the Gospel of John. The importance of recognizing and appreciating spiritual leaders is highlighted, urging believers to know and esteem those who labor among them, showing respect and love for their work's sake.
Let Us Be Thankful
By A.W. Tozer0GratitudeSpiritual Leadership1TH 5:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God's servants, asserting that thanking them is akin to thanking God Himself. He warns against two common mistakes: failing to express sufficient gratitude to spiritual leaders and following them too blindly without critical examination of their teachings. Tozer encourages believers to appreciate the contributions of holy men while maintaining a focus on Christ, ensuring that their allegiance is to the Lord rather than to any individual leader. He advocates for a balanced approach that honors spiritual leaders without compromising personal discernment and faith. Ultimately, the call is to learn from these leaders while keeping Christ at the center of our faith.
Of the Duties of Members to Their Pastors.
By John Gill0Duties of Church MembersRespect for Pastors1TH 5:12John Gill emphasizes the vital responsibilities of church members towards their pastors, highlighting the need for respect, acknowledgment, and support for their spiritual leaders. He explains that members should know their pastors intimately, esteem them highly for their work, and obey their guidance, as they are accountable for the souls entrusted to them. Gill stresses the importance of prayer for pastors, as well as the necessity of providing for their material needs, ensuring they can focus on their ministry. The mutual duties between pastors and members are essential for the health and order of the church community.
Congratulations and Entreaties
By Ignatius of Antioch01CO 1:10PHP 2:21TH 5:12HEB 13:171PE 1:22Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and obedience within the Church, urging the congregation to glorify Jesus Christ through unanimous obedience and alignment in mind and judgment. He commends fellow servants Burrhus, Crocus, Onesimus, Euplus, and Fronto for their faithfulness and support, praying for their continued blameless conduct for the honor of the Church. Ignatius expresses gratitude for the love and refreshment shown to him, highlighting the interconnectedness and love among believers.
Testing Leaders
By A.W. Tozer0Dependence On GodGratitude1TH 5:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual debt Christians owe: a common debt to all fellow believers and a heavier debt to specific individuals such as Bible scholars, translators, and spiritual leaders. He urges gratitude through constant prayer for these figures who contribute to our faith journey. However, Tozer warns against excessive dependence on human leaders, asserting that while we must rely on the Scriptures for divine truth, no other individual should wield such authority over us. This balance of gratitude and independence is crucial for spiritual growth.
Letters on Revivals--No. 29.
By Charles Finney0Pastoral CareUnity in the Church1TH 5:12Charles Finney emphasizes the importance of maintaining the pastoral relationship while engaging evangelists in church revivals. He warns against undervaluing pastors in favor of evangelists, as this can grieve the Spirit of God and create division within the church. Finney advocates for a cooperative relationship between pastors and evangelists, urging churches to support their pastors and ensure they remain central to the ministry. He highlights the need for unity and mutual respect to foster a healthy church environment conducive to revival. Ultimately, the goal is to work together for the salvation of souls without undermining the pastor's role.
1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 3:27LUK 19:8ROM 14:1PHP 4:111TH 5:121TH 5:151TI 5:17HEB 13:17John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of respecting and supporting leaders in the church, acknowledging the challenges they face in guiding and admonishing the congregation. He highlights the need to show gratitude and love towards those who labor among us, urging believers to be at peace with one another. Chrysostom also addresses the responsibility of leaders to admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, and support the weak, emphasizing the importance of patience and kindness towards all. He stresses the significance of not retaliating with evil, but always pursuing good and giving thanks, aligning with God's will. Chrysostom concludes by urging both the rich and the poor to refrain from covetousness and injustice, emphasizing the importance of contentment and generosity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Know them - Act kindly towards them; acknowledge them as the messengers of Christ; and treat them with tenderness and respect. This is a frequent meaning of the word γινωσκω. See on Joh 1:10 (note). Them which labor among you - The words τους κοπιωντας have appeared to some as expressing those who had labored among them; but as it is the participle of the present tense, there is no need to consider it in this light. Both it and the word προΐσταμενους, the superintendents, refer to persons then actually employed in the work of God. These were all admonishers, teachers, and instructers of the people, devoting their time and talents to this important work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
beseech--"Exhort" is the expression in Th1 5:14; here, "we beseech you," as if it were a personal favor (Paul making the cause of the Thessalonian presbyters, as it were, his own). know--to have a regard and respect for. Recognize their office, and treat them accordingly (compare Co1 16:18) with reverence and with liberality in supplying their needs (Ti1 5:17). The Thessalonian Church having been newly planted, the ministers were necessarily novices (Ti1 3:6), which may have been in part the cause of the people's treating them with less respect. Paul's practice seems to have been to ordain elders in every Church soon after its establishment (Act 14:23). them which labour . . . are over . . . admonish you--not three classes of ministers, but one, as there is but one article common to the three in the Greek. "Labor" expresses their laborious life; "are over you," their pre-eminence as presidents or superintendents ("bishops," that is, overseers, Phi 1:1, "them that have rule over you," literally, leaders, Heb 13:17; "pastors," literally, shepherds, Eph 4:11); "admonish you," one of their leading functions; the Greek is "put in mind," implying not arbitrary authority, but gentle, though faithful, admonition (Ti2 2:14, Ti2 2:24-25; Pe1 5:3). in the Lord--Their presidency over you is in divine things; not in worldly affairs, but in things appertaining to the Lord.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And we beseech you, brethren,.... Not in a natural or civil, but spiritual relation; and what follows relating to the ministers of the word, the apostle addresses this church on their behalf, not in an imperious and authoritative manner, but by way of entreaty, with great humility and strong affection: know them that labour among you; who were not non-residents, but were upon the spot with them; and where indeed should pastors be, but with their flocks? and husbandmen and vinedressers, but in their fields and vineyards? and stewards, but in the families where they are placed? and parents, but with their children? nor were they loiterers in the vineyard, or slothful servants, and idle shepherds, but labourers; who laboured in the word and doctrine; gave up themselves to meditation, reading, and prayer; laboured hard in private, to find out the meaning of the word of God; and studied to show themselves workmen, that need not be ashamed; and preached the word in season and out of season; faithfully dispensed all ordinances, and diligently performed the duties of their office; and were willing to spend and be spent, for the glory of Christ, and the good of souls, and earnestly contended for the faith of the Gospel; and all this they did, as among them, so for them, for their spiritual good and welfare: some render the words, "in you"; they laboured in teaching, instructing, and admonishing them; they laboured to enlighten their understandings, to inform their judgments, to raise their affections, and to bring their wills to a resignation to the will of God; to refresh their memories with Gospel truths; to strengthen their faith, encourage their hope, and draw out their love to God and Christ, and the brethren: and what the apostle directs them to, as their duty towards these persons, is to "know" them; that is, not to learn their names, and know their persons, who they were; for they could not but know them in this sense, since they dwelt and laboured among them, and were continually employed in instructing them; but that they would make themselves known to them, and converse freely and familiarly with them, that so they might know the state of their souls, and be better able to speak a word in season to them; and that they would take notice of them, show respect to them, and an affection for them; acknowledge them as their pastors, and account of them as stewards of the mysteries of God, and own them as ministers of Christ; and reckon them as blessings to them, and acknowledge the same with thankfulness; and obey them, and submit unto them in the ministry of the word and ordinances, and to their counsel and advice, so far as is agreeable to the word of God: the Arabic version renders it, "that ye may know the dignity of them that labour among you"; and so conduct and behave towards them accordingly: and are over you in the Lord; are set in the highest place in the church, and bear the highest office there; have the presidency and government in it, and go before the saints, and guide and direct them in matters both of doctrine and practice, being ensamples to the flock; the Syriac version renders it, "and stand before you"; ministering unto you in holy things, being servants to you for Jesus' sake: and this "in the Lord"; or by the Lord; for they did not take this honour to themselves, nor were they appointed by men, but they were made able ministers of the word by God; received their gifts qualifying them for this work from Christ, and were placed as overseers of the church by the Holy Ghost: and it was only in things pertaining to the Lord that they were over them; not in things civil, which distinguishes them from civil magistrates; nor in things secular and worldly, they had nothing to do in their families, to preside there, or with their worldly concerns, only in the church of Christ, and in things pertaining to their spiritual welfare; and though they were over them, yet under Christ, and in subjection to him, as their Lord and King; governing not in an arbitrary and tyrannical way, lording it over God's heritage, usurping a dominion over the faith of men, coining new doctrines, and making new laws; but according to the word of God, and laws of Christ, in the fear of the Lord, and with a view to the glory of God, and in love to souls: hence the Arabic version renders it, in the love of the Lord; the phrase, "in the Lord", is omitted in the Syriac version: and admonish you; or instruct you, put into your minds good and wholesome things, and put you in mind of the doctrines of the Gospel, of the duties of religion, of former experiences; and give warning of sin and danger, and reprove and rebuke with faithfulness; and as the case requires, either in public or private, and with sharpness or tenderness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerging leaders in the church (1 Cor 16:15-16). True leaders . . . work hard (1 Tim 4:10; 5:17) and govern to serve (Matt 20:25-28). They preside over, as well as help and protect, the church (Rom 16:1-2; 1 Tim 3:4-5, 12). • give you spiritual guidance: Leaders correct both moral and doctrinal errors (Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 4:14; Col 1:28).