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1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. 15. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. 16. Rejoice evermore. 17. Pray without ceasing. 18. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19. Quench not the Spirit. 20. Despise not prophesyings. 21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:12

Theological / Devotional

And. Rather, “but,” showing the connection between the thought here and that in v. 11.

Beseech. Gr. erotao (see on Phil. 4:3; 1 Thess. 4:1). Paul does not wish the Thessalonians’ brotherly care for one another to weaken respect for church officers.

To know. That is, to recognize, therefore, to respect (see on ch. 4:4).

Labour. Gr. kopiao (see on Phil. 2:16; 1 Thess. 1:3). It was Paul’s custom to ordain elders in every church he established (Acts 14:23). The new officers were necessarily inexperienced, and were perhaps not receiving proper recognition. Those who minister to the church should be respected. They should be remembered and acknowledged for their own sake (see 1 Cor. 16:15-18; Heb. 13:7). Such consideration places a great responsibility upon church officers to be men of God.

Are over. Gr. pro'istemi. “to set over,” “to superintend,” “to preside,” translated “to rule” in Rom. 12:8 (see comment there).

Admonish. Gr. noutheted, “to put in mind,” “to warn,” “to admonish” (see on Acts 20:31; cf. on 1 Cor. 4:14; 2 Thess. 3:15). The word comes from nous, “mind,” and tithemi, “to put.” Paul recognizes the weaknesses of his flock and the probability that its officers would need to guide, firmly, its members.

By SdaBc