Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:12

"But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;" — 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (ASV)

No more effective way of carrying out mutual edification (v.11) can be found than Paul’s closing exhortations for improvement within the assembly (vv.12–22). Heading the list are the exhortations regarding the proper attitude toward leaders (undoubtedly the elders and overseers, whose qualifications are described in more detail in lTi 3:1–2; 5:17; Titus 1:5). Paul requests (“we ask”; GK 2263; cf. 4:1) that the Thessalonians “respect” (GK 3857) those who “are over” (GK 4613) them. This testifies to the presence of some form of church government in this early assembly; the leaders “stand over” the rest of the assembly in the Lord. Elsewhere “are over” bears the sense of “care for” (cf. Romans 12:6; lTi 3:4–5, 12; 5:17). Thus, Christian leaders must rule in such a way that the welfare of those ruled is uppermost in their minds (cf. Matthew 20:26–28; 1 Peter 5:2–3), though this element must not erode the authority of the office and the need to “respect” the office. The leaders were charged with guiding the congregation, and their decisions were binding (cf. Hebrews 13:17). It is important to note that this authority was not vested in one person.

In addition to caring leadership of the people, the leaders “work hard” among them—reminiscent of Paul and his colleagues with their unselfish toiling to support themselves while sharing the Gospel with the Thessalonians (2:9). It is appropriate for those who follow them in leadership to do the same. Thus they become local examples of how love works hard (1:3) in contrast to the problem group within the church that was doing practically nothing (4:11).

Finally, the leaders “admonish” (GK 3805); this means correction administered either by word or deed. It implies blame on the part of the one admonished. Naturally, this process arouses resentment, since discipline is never pleasant. Still the apostle presents admonition as necessary for the congregation and requires respect for those who exercise it.

Another part of Paul’s “request” regarding leadership is that the Thessalonians “hold them in highest regard in love” (v.13). They must hold these leaders in the highest possible esteem and give them wholehearted support in a spirit of love. No reservations are allowable.

Concluding the brief exhortation about leadership is a general command for both leaders and those led: “Live in peace with each other.” That Paul included such a command shows that relations were not all they could have been. Perhaps there was trouble between the idle and those who were admonishing them. But no matter who was to blame, there had to be peaceful relations. Leaders were to guard against abusing their authority; idlers were not to disregard those over them in the Lord.