1 Thessalonians 5:13
Verse
Context
Sermons
Richard Baxter
Stan Thompson
Cyprian of Carthage
Alexander CampbellSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Esteem them very highly in love - Christian ministers, who preach the whole truth, and labor in the word and doctrine, are entitled to more than respect; the apostle commands them to be esteemed ὑπερεκπερισσου, abundantly, and superabundantly; and this is to be done in love; and as men delight to serve those whom they love, it necessarily follows that they should provide for them, and see that they want neither the necessaries nor conveniences of life; I do not say comforts, though these also should be furnished; but of these the genuine messengers of Christ are frequently destitute. However, they should have food, raiment, and lodging for themselves and their household. This they ought to have for their work's sake; those who do not work should not eat. As ministers of Christ, such as labor not are unworthy either of respect or support.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
very highly--Greek, "exceeding abundantly." for their work's sake--The high nature of their work alone, the furtherance of your salvation and of the kingdom of Christ, should be a sufficient motive to claim your reverential love. At the same time, the word "work," teaches ministers that, while claiming the reverence due to their office, it is not a sinecure, but a "work"; compare "labor" (even to weariness: so the Greek), Th1 5:12. be at peace among yourselves--The "and" is not in the original. Let there not only be peace between ministers and their flocks, but also no party rivalries among yourselves, one contending in behalf of some one favorite minister, another in behalf of another (Mar 9:50; Co1 1:12; Co1 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to esteem them very highly,.... Or, as the Ethiopic version renders it, "honour them abundantly"; for such are worthy of double honour, and to be had in reputation; they should be honourably thought of, and be high in the affections of the saints, who should esteem them better than themselves, or others in the community; and should be spoke well of, and their characters vindicated from the reproach and obloquy of others; and should be spoke respectfully to, and be honourably done by; should be provided for with an honourable maintenance, which is part of the double honour due to them in Ti1 5:17 and this should be in love; not in fear, nor in hypocrisy and dissimulation; not in word and in tongue only, but from the heart and real affection: the Syriac version renders it, "that they be esteemed by you with more abundant love"; with an increasing love, or with greater love than is shown to the brethren in common, or to private members: and that for their works' sake; for the sake of the work of the ministry, which is a good work as well as honourable; is beneficial to the souls of men, and is for the glory of God, being diligently and faithfully performed by them; on which account they are to be valued, and not for an empty title without labour. And be at peace among yourselves. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "with them"; and so the Syriac version, connecting the former clause with this, "for their works' sake have peace with them"; that is, with the ministers of the word; do not disagree with them upon every trivial occasion, or make them offenders for a word; keep up a good understanding, and cultivate love and friendship with them; "embrace them with brotherly love", as the Ethiopic version renders the words, understanding them also as relating to ministers; a difference with them is of bad consequence, and must render their ministry greatly useless and unprofitable to those who differ with them, as well as render them very uncomfortable and unfit for it. The Arabic version renders it, "in yourselves"; as referring to internal peace in their own souls, which they should be concerned for; and which only is attained to, enjoyed, and preserved, by looking to the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ: or else it may regard peace among themselves, and with one another as brethren, and as members of the same church; which as it is for their credit and reputation without doors, and for their comfort, delight, and pleasure within, in their church state and fellowship, so it tends to make the ministers of the Gospel more easy and comfortable in their work: thus the words, considered in this sense, have still a relation to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:13 Leaders were to receive honor and love not because of their high position but because of their work. • live peacefully: Teaching about community peace and harmony was a standard topic in ancient moral instruction. Harmony between believers and leaders was especially important because of the persecution the church suffered (2:14).
1 Thessalonians 5:13
Christian Living
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
The Duty of Helping Others to Seek the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0GEN 18:19DEU 6:6JOS 24:152KI 7:9PRO 22:6LUK 12:48JHN 12:43ACT 10:34ACT 20:20ROM 10:141CO 1:262CO 5:17GAL 1:10EPH 6:41TH 5:132TI 2:15Richard Baxter preaches about the urgency and importance of helping others find the saints' everlasting rest, emphasizing the duty of Christians to actively work towards the salvation of souls. He highlights the need for compassion, instruction, and a genuine desire for the eternal happiness of others. Baxter stresses the significance of witnessing with sincerity, faithfulness, and a sense of urgency, backed by the authority of God's word. He also addresses the various hindrances that may prevent believers from fulfilling this duty, such as sin, lack of faith, lack of compassion, desire for popularity, and sinful bashfulness.
Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh
By Stan Thompson01TH 5:13Stan Thomson preaches about the imminent return of Christ for His bride, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared and vigilant. He discusses the historical awakening to this truth and the subsequent decline in its significance due to false doctrines and lack of focus on Christ's return. Stan reviews Scriptural proofs for the imminent return of Christ and the practical effects it should have on believers, highlighting the distinctions between the Church, the Rapture, Christ's Second Coming, the Tribulation Period, and the Millennium.
Epistle 4
By Cyprian of Carthage0PRO 15:221CO 1:10GAL 6:2PHP 2:31TH 5:13Cyprian of Carthage, in his letter to the presbyters and deacons, emphasizes the importance of unity in his absence, urging them to fulfill their duties diligently and with discipline. He stresses the need to provide for prisoners, the poor, and to maintain peace among the people, cautioning against overwhelming crowds visiting the imprisoned confessors. Cyprian advises a balanced approach to avoid potential conflicts and ensure continued access to those in need.
Address on War
By Alexander Campbell0PRO 3:30ISA 2:2MIC 4:2MAT 5:9MAT 26:52ROM 12:181TH 5:13JAS 4:11PE 3:9Alexander Campbell delivers a powerful sermon on the Christian perspective on war, emphasizing the moral, spiritual, and practical implications of engaging in armed conflict. He questions the justification for war between Christian nations, highlighting the devastating consequences of war on human life, families, wealth, and morality. Campbell challenges the common justifications for war, pointing out the lack of divine warrant for nations to wage war against each other and the absence of a true Christian nation in the world. He advocates for a peaceful resolution of conflicts through negotiation, reason, and the establishment of a congress of nations and a high court of nations to adjudicate disputes. Campbell condemns war as a barbaric and un-Christian practice, urging individuals to promote peace, justice, and compassion in all aspects of life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Esteem them very highly in love - Christian ministers, who preach the whole truth, and labor in the word and doctrine, are entitled to more than respect; the apostle commands them to be esteemed ὑπερεκπερισσου, abundantly, and superabundantly; and this is to be done in love; and as men delight to serve those whom they love, it necessarily follows that they should provide for them, and see that they want neither the necessaries nor conveniences of life; I do not say comforts, though these also should be furnished; but of these the genuine messengers of Christ are frequently destitute. However, they should have food, raiment, and lodging for themselves and their household. This they ought to have for their work's sake; those who do not work should not eat. As ministers of Christ, such as labor not are unworthy either of respect or support.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
very highly--Greek, "exceeding abundantly." for their work's sake--The high nature of their work alone, the furtherance of your salvation and of the kingdom of Christ, should be a sufficient motive to claim your reverential love. At the same time, the word "work," teaches ministers that, while claiming the reverence due to their office, it is not a sinecure, but a "work"; compare "labor" (even to weariness: so the Greek), Th1 5:12. be at peace among yourselves--The "and" is not in the original. Let there not only be peace between ministers and their flocks, but also no party rivalries among yourselves, one contending in behalf of some one favorite minister, another in behalf of another (Mar 9:50; Co1 1:12; Co1 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to esteem them very highly,.... Or, as the Ethiopic version renders it, "honour them abundantly"; for such are worthy of double honour, and to be had in reputation; they should be honourably thought of, and be high in the affections of the saints, who should esteem them better than themselves, or others in the community; and should be spoke well of, and their characters vindicated from the reproach and obloquy of others; and should be spoke respectfully to, and be honourably done by; should be provided for with an honourable maintenance, which is part of the double honour due to them in Ti1 5:17 and this should be in love; not in fear, nor in hypocrisy and dissimulation; not in word and in tongue only, but from the heart and real affection: the Syriac version renders it, "that they be esteemed by you with more abundant love"; with an increasing love, or with greater love than is shown to the brethren in common, or to private members: and that for their works' sake; for the sake of the work of the ministry, which is a good work as well as honourable; is beneficial to the souls of men, and is for the glory of God, being diligently and faithfully performed by them; on which account they are to be valued, and not for an empty title without labour. And be at peace among yourselves. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "with them"; and so the Syriac version, connecting the former clause with this, "for their works' sake have peace with them"; that is, with the ministers of the word; do not disagree with them upon every trivial occasion, or make them offenders for a word; keep up a good understanding, and cultivate love and friendship with them; "embrace them with brotherly love", as the Ethiopic version renders the words, understanding them also as relating to ministers; a difference with them is of bad consequence, and must render their ministry greatly useless and unprofitable to those who differ with them, as well as render them very uncomfortable and unfit for it. The Arabic version renders it, "in yourselves"; as referring to internal peace in their own souls, which they should be concerned for; and which only is attained to, enjoyed, and preserved, by looking to the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ: or else it may regard peace among themselves, and with one another as brethren, and as members of the same church; which as it is for their credit and reputation without doors, and for their comfort, delight, and pleasure within, in their church state and fellowship, so it tends to make the ministers of the Gospel more easy and comfortable in their work: thus the words, considered in this sense, have still a relation to them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:13 Leaders were to receive honor and love not because of their high position but because of their work. • live peacefully: Teaching about community peace and harmony was a standard topic in ancient moral instruction. Harmony between believers and leaders was especially important because of the persecution the church suffered (2:14).