1 Thessalonians 5:14

We exhort. Gr. parakaled (see on Matt. 5:4).

Warn. Gr. noutheted (see under “admonish,” v. 12).

Unruly. Gr. ataktoi, “out of the ranks,” “disorderly,” used in the NT only here. The corresponding verb atakted occurs in 2 Thess. 3:7, and the adverb ataktos in 2 Thess. 3:11 (see comment there).

Comfort. Gr. paramutheomai “to encourage,” “to cheer up.”

Feebleminded. Gr. oligopsuchoi, literally, “little-souled ones,” that is, those who are little of heart, or the fainthearted. Such ones, possibly those overburdened with sorrow for the dead (ch. 4:13-18) or uncertain of the time of Christ’s return (ch. 5:1-11), were to be comforted, not reprimanded. Christians should speak words of comfort and encouragement to timid, needy souls (Heb. 12:12, 13; cf. Gal. 6:2).

Support. Gr. antechomai, “take an interest in,” “to pay attention to,” “to help.” The weak, whom Paul wishes to see supported, are probably those who are being tempted by impurity (ch. 4:3-7). Such members need spiritual support rather than censure, that they may be saved from yielding to temptation.

Be patient. Gr. makrothumed, literally, “to be of a long spirit,” hence, “to be long-suffering,” “to be slow to anger,” “to be patient.” The same Greek word is used in 1 Cor. 13:4 to describe charity, or love, which “suffereth long.” The love of God in the Christian will lead him to be kindly patient toward all, both within and without the church.