Page 35 - Pauline Epistles Student Textbook

“Acknowledgement” is from the Greek word which means to “know something.” However, in this
passage, it goes beyond just knowing. It entails respecting those who work hard among you.

Those who Work Hard
“Working hard” was clearly demonstrated to the church at Thessalonica because of what the
apostles (Paul, Silas, and Timothy) underwent and were doing at Thessalonica. The apostles worked
night and day in order not to be a burden as they proclaimed the gospel (1 Thess. 2:9). Paul labeled
that as toiling and hardship (1 Thess. 2:9). They suffered, were persecuted, and afflicted (1 Thess.
1:6; 3:4; cf. Acts 17:1-5). They became like biological parents (i.e., father [1 Thess. 3:11-12] and
mother [1 Thess. 2:7-8]) to them. All was done for the pleasure of God who approved them “to be
entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thess. 2:4).

Those who Care for You in the Lord
The term to “lead,” or “rule over” whose derivation is a Greek verb προϊσταμένους (proistamenous
[from προϊστημι [proistēmi) has a variety of interpretations. To some, it might mean “those who
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rule you,” “those who are concerned about you,” or “those who stand before you as protectors.” It
is complex to pick from those three possible meanings because to some degree, leadership might
possess all of those elements. Green’s view that “the most likely candidates for leaders in this young
church were people like Jason, who served as both patron and leader within the church” (Acts 17:5-
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9) is probably more accurate. It can be argued that Jason could have been one of the early
converts to Paul’s proclamation of the gospel in Thessalonica because at some point, the apostles
appeared to have been taken care of or being kept in Jason’s house (Acts 17:5, 7, 9).

Notice that the leaders’ service should be done in the Lord. The preposition “in” is very important
here because the ground for the authority exercised in leadership is their unwavering association or
relationship with the Lord Himself.

Those who Admonish You
In v13, the holding of the leaders in the highest regard should be done in love. The reason for doing
that is the nature of their work. In addition, they deserved the highest regard because their caring
was being anchored by their unwavering association or relationship with the Lord. Paul’s exhortation
to live at peace appears to suggest the presence of tensions among them.

Apparently, admonishing should be understood as the church leadership involved in correction
which is not intended to provoke or embitter, even though to the one who has been admonished, it
might seem otherwise. It could be so because embedded in any admonishing are some elements of
discipline (cf. Heb 12:11). Notice that Paul uses the same verb in v14 in reference to the one who is
unruly. As a result, it seems to carry a suggestion of condemnation toward the wrongdoer to bring
repentance (cf. Acts 20:31).

Caution and Encouragement (1 Thess. 5:14-15)

14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be
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patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to
one another and to everyone. (ESV)

60 Wanamaker, The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Epistles to the
Thessalonians, 192.

61 Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians: The Pillar New Testament Commentary, 249.

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