1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

And {G1161} we beseech {G2065} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, to know {G1492} them which {G3588} labour {G2872} among {G1722} you {G5213}, and {G2532} are over {G4291} you {G5216} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} admonish {G3560} you {G5209};

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are working hard among you, those who are guiding you in the Lord and confronting you in order to help you change.

But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.

But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, the Apostle Paul issues a vital exhortation regarding the Christian community's relationship with its spiritual leaders. This verse, part of a series of practical instructions for church life, calls believers to a specific posture of recognition and respect towards those who serve and guide them.

Context

This verse is situated within the final chapter of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, a letter largely focused on encouraging the nascent church in its faith and providing guidance on various aspects of Christian living and the return of Christ. Following discussions on holiness and hope, Paul shifts to practical admonitions concerning internal church dynamics. Verses 12-22 offer a rapid-fire succession of commands for harmonious community life, emphasizing mutual respect, patience, and diligence in spiritual matters. This particular instruction sets the tone for how believers should interact with those in spiritual oversight, preceding calls to be at peace, support the weak, and be patient with all (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Key Themes

  • Recognition and Respect for Spiritual Leaders: The phrase "know them" (eidenai) goes beyond mere acquaintance. It implies a deep appreciation, acknowledgement of their divine calling, and respect for their position and the work they do. It's an active recognition of their authority and value within the church, crucial for healthy Christian community.
  • The Nature of Godly Leadership: Paul describes leaders by their actions, emphasizing the demanding nature of their role:
    • "labour among you" (kopiōntas): This Greek word signifies intense, diligent, and often exhausting toil. It highlights the significant effort and dedication required for spiritual leadership, emphasizing that it is not a light task but one that demands hard work and sacrifice.
    • "are over you in the Lord" (proistamenous en Kyriō): This refers to those who preside, lead, or have charge. The crucial addition "in the Lord" signifies that their authority is not self-appointed or worldly, but derived from Christ and exercised according to His will and for His purposes. It implies spiritual oversight and guidance.
    • "admonish you" (nouthetountas): This means to instruct, warn, counsel, or gently correct. It speaks to the pastoral duty of providing spiritual guidance, often involving challenging or guiding believers towards righteousness and away from error, always with love and a desire for their spiritual growth.
  • Mutual Responsibility: This verse underscores the reciprocal relationship between leaders and the congregation. As leaders diligently serve, teach, and guide, the congregation is called to acknowledge, respect, and support them in their God-given role.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "know" (eidenai) here means more than just being familiar with someone's name. It carries the nuance of acknowledging, appreciating, and holding in high regard. It implies a recognition of their function and authority. The term for "labour" (kopiōntas) vividly portrays the strenuous, often wearying effort involved in pastoral work, highlighting the self-sacrificial nature of true spiritual service. "Over you" (proistamenous) suggests standing before, presiding, or protecting, indicating a role of guidance and care. Finally, "admonish" (nouthetountas) involves putting sense into someone's mind, a form of instruction that can be both encouraging and corrective, aimed at spiritual formation. This highlights the teaching and disciplinary aspect of leadership.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of honoring those God has placed in spiritual leadership. This involves:

  • Active Recognition: Acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice of pastors, elders, and other spiritual guides within the church.
  • Respect for Authority: Understanding that their authority is "in the Lord" and is for the building up of the church, as seen in passages like Hebrews 13:17.
  • Receiving Admonition: Being open to instruction, correction, and encouragement from those who are responsible for their spiritual well-being.
  • Prayer and Support: Actively praying for leaders and supporting their ministry, as they carry the heavy burden of caring for God's flock.

This verse encourages a healthy, respectful relationship within the church, fostering an environment where leaders can effectively serve and congregations can thrive under godly guidance and spiritual nourishment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • 1 Timothy 5:18

    For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:18

    For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:16

    That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
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