1 Thessalonians 5:13

To esteem. Gr. hegeomai (see on Phil. 2:3), here, “to have an opinion of.”

Very highly. Gr. huperekperrissos, “beyond measure,” “more exceedingly,” “very highly.”

In love. This is added lest the spiritual quality of the Thessalonians’ esteem for their elders be questioned.

For their work’s sake. Or, “because of their work.” The Christian church has no room for man worship, but encourages proper respect of those who bear worthily sacred responsibilities.

Be at peace. This firm injunction suggests that church unity at Thessalonica had been disturbed, possibly by disagreement between officers and laity, since he says “among yourselves.” There must be no rivalries, no divisions in the church, with some acknowledging one worker as their spiritual leader, while others contend for another, as was the case later at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4-6; 4:6; cf. Rom. 12:18; 14:19).