1 Thessalonians 5:13

KJV

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to esteem {G2233} them {G846} very {G5228} highly {G1537}{G4053} in {G1722} love {G26} for {G1223} their {G846} work's sake {G2041}. And be at peace {G1514} among {G1722} yourselves {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Treat them with the highest regard and love because of the work they are doing. Live at peace among yourselves;

Berean Standard Bible

In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

American Standard Version

and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Thessalonians 5:13 provides a dual exhortation to the Christian community in Thessalonica, emphasizing both the proper posture toward spiritual leadership and the essential dynamic within the congregation itself. It calls believers to hold those who labor among them in ministry in the highest regard, motivated by a profound, sacrificial love that acknowledges the significance of their dedicated service. Simultaneously, it commands all members of the church to actively pursue and maintain harmonious relationships, fostering an environment of unity and mutual peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a series of practical directives that Paul delivers in the final chapter of his first letter to the Thessalonians. Following his eschatological teaching on the [Day of the Lord](/1_thessalonians/5-1-11 "The Day of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11"), Paul transitions to a series of ethical and behavioral exhortations for the church. The immediate preceding verses, [1 Thessalonians 5:12](/1_thessalonians/5-12 "1 Thessalonians 5:12 - Acknowledging Spiritual Leaders"), specifically identify the "them" of verse 13 as "those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you." Thus, verse 13 builds directly upon the recognition of these leaders, specifying the *manner* in which they are to be esteemed, before broadening the scope to address the entire community's internal relationships. It serves as a capstone to Paul's practical guidance, embodying the principles of love and peace that should characterize a Spirit-filled community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, founded during Paul's second missionary journey (cf. [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). As a new community, it would have been grappling with internal organization, the establishment of leadership, and the challenges of living out Christian faith in a pagan society. The exhortation to esteem leaders suggests that there might have been some tension or lack of appreciation for their demanding work, a common issue in nascent churches. Furthermore, the call for "peace among yourselves" implies that internal disagreements or factions might have been a concern, which is not uncommon in any community, especially one undergoing growth and facing external pressures. Paul's emphasis on unity and respect was crucial for the Thessalonians' spiritual health and their witness to the surrounding culture, which often viewed new religious movements with suspicion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Paul's epistles and the New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **importance of spiritual leadership** and the reciprocal responsibility of the congregation to honor and support those who shepherd them. This theme is echoed in passages like [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obeying Spiritual Leaders"), which calls for submission to leaders. Secondly, it underscores the foundational theme of **Christian love (agape)** as the essential quality that should permeate all relationships within the church, both between leaders and congregants, and among congregants themselves. Paul consistently emphasizes love as the "more excellent way" ([1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The Most Excellent Way")) and the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). Finally, the command to "be at peace among yourselves" stresses the vital theme of **unity and harmony** within the body of Christ. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a positive, active pursuit of reconciliation and mutual well-being, reflecting the peace believers have with God through Christ ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **esteem (Greek, _hēgéomai'_):** From G2233, "to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider." In this context, it carries the sense of considering someone highly valuable, worthy of honor, and holding them in high regard. It implies a mental attitude of respect and appreciation for their position and service.
* **love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, "love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast." This is the highest form of love in the New Testament, characterized by self-sacrifice, unconditional commitment, and a benevolent concern for the well-being of others. It is a divine love that flows from God and is to be demonstrated by believers.
* **be at peace (Greek, _eirēneúō'_):** From G1514, "to be (act) peaceful." This verb signifies an active state of living in peace, promoting harmony, and avoiding discord. It's not merely a passive state but an intentional effort to cultivate and maintain peaceful relationships within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake."**: This clause directly follows the identification of spiritual leaders in the preceding verse. The command is to "esteem" (hold in high regard) these leaders. The intensity is amplified by "very highly," a phrase that in Greek (combining G5228 `hypér`, G1537 `ek`, and G4053 `perissós`) means "exceedingly abundantly" or "beyond measure." This profound esteem is to be rooted "in love" (G26 `agápē`), indicating that the respect is not merely formal or obligatory, but a heartfelt, self-sacrificial affection. The motivation for this high regard is explicitly stated: "for their work's sake" (G2041 `érgon`), highlighting that their value comes from their diligent, often demanding, labor in ministry, rather than personal charisma or popularity. This "work" encompasses leading, teaching, admonishing, and caring for the flock.
* **"[And] be at peace among yourselves."**: This second, distinct command shifts focus from the relationship with leaders to the internal dynamics of the entire congregation. The Greek conjunction `kai` ("and") links this command closely to the first, suggesting that the proper esteem for leaders and internal peace are interconnected aspects of a healthy church. "Be at peace" (G1514 `eirēneúō`) is an active verb, urging believers to actively pursue and maintain harmony. The phrase "among yourselves" (G1722 `en` G1438 `heautoû`) specifies that this peace is to be cultivated within the community of believers, implying the need for mutual understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation to prevent or resolve conflicts.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Exhortation** throughout this passage, issuing direct commands that guide the Thessalonians' conduct. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the two distinct yet related commands: esteeming leaders and being at peace among yourselves. While seemingly separate, they are deeply intertwined, as a church that honors its leaders is more likely to experience internal harmony, and a peaceful church is better positioned to support its leadership. The phrase "very highly" serves as a device of **Emphasis**, intensifying the degree of esteem required, indicating that mere respect is insufficient; a profound, almost overflowing, honor is expected. The repeated use of "love" (G26 `agápē`) in Paul's writings, and its specific application here, functions as a powerful **Theological Motif**, underscoring its central role in Christian ethics and community life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 5:13, in its dual command, provides a foundational blueprint for healthy church life, emphasizing both the proper recognition of spiritual authority and the cultivation of internal harmony. The call to esteem leaders "very highly in love for their work's sake" underscores the divine origin and demanding nature of pastoral ministry, recognizing that those who shepherd God's flock are engaged in a sacred and weighty task. This esteem, rooted in *agape* love, transcends mere human respect, reflecting a spiritual appreciation for God's appointed servants. Simultaneously, the command to "be at peace among yourselves" highlights the New Testament's consistent emphasis on unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that internal strife hinders the church's witness and mission. These two directives are not independent but mutually reinforcing: when leaders are honored and supported, and when members actively pursue peace with one another, the church functions as a vibrant, healthy organism, reflecting the very nature of God, who is a God of peace and order.

* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey and Submit to Your Leaders")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [Philippians 2:2-3](/philippians/2-2-3 "Philippians 2:2-3 - Unity and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 5:13 offers profound and actionable guidance for every believer today, reminding us that the health of a church is a collective responsibility. Reflecting on this verse challenges us to examine our attitudes toward those God has placed in leadership positions within our communities. Are we truly esteeming them "very highly in love," recognizing the immense spiritual and practical burdens they carry as they labor for our spiritual well-being? This esteem should manifest not just in words, but in active support, prayer, and cooperation with their godly guidance. Furthermore, the verse compels us to look inward at our own relationships within the church body. Are we actively pursuing peace, or are we allowing personal preferences, disagreements, or gossip to sow discord? The call to "be at peace among yourselves" is a call to humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to unity that prioritizes the glory of God and the health of the body over individual desires. Living out these commands fosters an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely, where the gospel can be proclaimed effectively, and where believers can truly grow in Christlikeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I demonstrate "very high esteem in love" for my spiritual leaders in practical ways?**
* **What specific steps can I take to foster peace and harmony within my local church community?**
* **Are there any unresolved conflicts or relational tensions in my life that are hindering the peace of the church, and what biblical steps can I take to address them?**
* **How does my attitude towards leadership and my pursuit of peace reflect my understanding of Christ's example and His call for unity?**

### FAQ
**Why is it so important to "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake"?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes this profound esteem because spiritual leadership is a demanding and often thankless task. Leaders "labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you" ([1 Thessalonians 5:12](/1_thessalonians/5-12 "1 Thessalonians 5:12 - Acknowledging Spiritual Leaders")). Their work involves spiritual warfare, diligent study of God's Word, pastoral care, teaching, and often personal sacrifice. Esteeming them "very highly" (a strong Greek phrase meaning "exceedingly abundantly") and "in love" (agape, a self-sacrificial love) acknowledges the weight of their calling and provides them with the encouragement and support necessary to continue faithfully. It's not about personality worship, but recognizing the value of their God-given "work" in building up the body of Christ.

**What does "be at peace among yourselves" truly mean in a church context?**

Answer: "Be at peace among yourselves" (Greek: *eirēneúō*) is more than just the absence of conflict; it's an active pursuit of holistic well-being, harmony, and reconciliation within the Christian community. It means intentionally fostering unity, practicing forgiveness, resolving disagreements according to biblical principles (e.g., [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Church Discipline")), avoiding gossip and division, and prioritizing the common good of the body of Christ. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")) and a hallmark of true discipleship, enabling the church to effectively fulfill its mission and bear witness to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 5:13, while a practical exhortation for church life, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The call to "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" points to Jesus as the ultimate Shepherd and Servant-Leader. He is the one who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His "work" on the cross, a work of unparalleled love and sacrifice, is the foundation of our salvation and the model for all Christian ministry. Believers are called to love their leaders with the same *agape* love that Christ demonstrated for His church, a love that motivated Him to lay down His life ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Furthermore, the command to "be at peace among yourselves" is profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus Himself is our "peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), having reconciled us to God in one body through the cross, thereby destroying the hostility ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). He prayed for the unity of His disciples ([John 17:21-23](/john/17-21-23 "John 17:21-23 - Jesus Prays for Unity")), and His Spirit empowers believers to live in harmony, bearing the fruit of peace. Thus, living out 1 Thessalonians 5:13 is not merely good church practice, but a tangible expression of our union with Christ and our participation in His ongoing work of reconciliation and love in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Corinthians 9:7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?