1Thessalonians 5:12-15 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
‘Over’ [Greek: proistemi] to set over; be at the head of; be the chief. Translated be over (5:12); rule (Rom. 12:8; 1Tim. 3:4-5, 12; 5:17); and maintain (Tit. 3:8, 14). These were the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and other ministers (Eph. 4:11; 1Cor. 12:28).
‘Very highly in love for their work’s sake.’ These ministers were not only to be respected but esteemed superabundantly. The Greek word perissos is translated as beyond measure (Mark 6:51); exceedingly abundantly above (Eph. 3:20); exceedingly (3:10); very highly (5:13); more abundantly (John 10:10); more (Matt. 5:37, 47); superfluous (2Cor. 9:1); and advantage (Rom. 3:1). This was to be done in love and for their work’s sake.
‘Unruly’ [Greek: ataktos] means those who are out of step and not performing their duty as Christians.
‘Feebleminded’ [Greek: oligopsuchos] fainthearted. Those who lose heart in any battle.
‘Support’ [Greek: antechomai] to hold one’s hand; to shade one’s eyes; to be a help. Translated support (5:14); hold fast (Tit. 1:9); and hold to (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13).
Living the Word 